Compositions and methods for controlling leptinotarsa

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are methods of controlling insect pests, in particular  Leptinotarsa  spp. which infest crop plants, and methods of providing plants resistant to such pests. Also disclosed are polynucleotides and recombinant DNA molecules and constructs useful in such methods, insecticidal compositions such as topical sprays containing insecticidal double-stranded RNAs, and solanaceous plants with improved resistance to infestation by  Leptinotarsa  spp. Further disclosed are methods of selecting target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing and control of  Leptinotarsa  spp.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS AND INCORPORATION OF SEQUENCE LISTINGS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/856,137 filed 19 Jul. 2013, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/899,000 filed 1 Nov. 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/980,800 filed 17 Apr. 2014, which are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. The sequence listings contained in the files “40-21_60191_A.txt” (2,291 kilobytes, created on 19 Jul. 2013, filed with U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/856,137 on 19 Jul. 2013), “40-21_60191_0001US_ST25.txt” (2,322 kilobytes, created on 30 Oct. 2013, filed with U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/899,000 on 1 Nov. 2013), and “40-21_60191_0002_US_ST25.txt” (2,338 kilobytes, created on 17 Apr. 2014, filed with U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/980,800 on 17 Apr. 2014) are incorporated by reference in their entirety herein. The sequence listing contained in the file “40-2160191_0003_ST25_new.txt” (2,532,856 bytes, created on 17 Jul. 2014) is filed herewith and incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

FIELD

Methods for controlling invertebrate pest infestations, particularly in plants, as well as compositions, polynucleotides, and recombinant DNA constructs useful in such methods are disclosed. More specifically, this invention is related to polynucleotides and methods of use thereof for modifying the expression of genes in an insect pest, particularly through RNA interference. Pest species of interest include Leptinotarsa species, especially those that infest crop plants.

BACKGROUND

Commercial crops are often the targets of attack by invertebrate pests such as insects. Compositions for controlling insect infestations in plants have typically been in the form of chemical insecticides. However, there are several disadvantages to using chemical insecticides. For example, chemical insecticides are generally not selective, and applications of chemical insecticides intended to control insect pests in crop plants can exert their effects on non-target insects and other invertebrates as well. Chemical insecticides often persist in the environment and can be slow to degrade, thus potentially accumulating in the food chain. Furthermore the use of persistent chemical insecticides can result in the development of resistance in the target insect species. Thus there has been a long felt need for more environmentally friendly methods for controlling or eradicating insect infestation on or in plants, i.e., methods which are species-selective, environmentally inert, non-persistent, and biodegradable, and that fit well into pest resistance management schemes.

RNA interference (RNAi, RNA-mediated gene suppression) is another approach used for pest control. In invertebrates, RNAi-based gene suppression was first demonstrated in nematodes (Fire et al., (1998) Nature, 391:806-811; Timmons & Fire (1998) Nature, 395:854). Subsequently, RNAi-based suppression of invertebrate genes using recombinant nucleic acid techniques has been reported in a number of species, including agriculturally or economically important pests from various insect and nematode taxa.

Leptinotarsa spp. form a genus including a number of species that infest commercially important plants, including many solanaceous plants (e.g., potato, tomato, eggplant, peppers, tobacco, and petunia). For example, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle, CPB) is an early- to mid-season pest affecting solanaceous plants such as potato. Colorado potato beetles primarily feed on above-ground portions of the plant, and defoliation leads to lower tuber yields. Methods and compositions for controlling insect pests, in particular Leptinotarsa spp. which infest crop plants are desired.

SUMMARY

The present embodiments are related to control of Leptinotarsa species, especially those that are economically or agriculturally important pests. In various embodiments, the Leptinotarsa species is at least one selected from the group consisting of Leptinotarsa behrensi, Leptinotarsa collinsi, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle), Leptinotarsa defecta, Leptinotarsa haldemani (Haldeman's green potato beetle), Leptinotarsa heydeni, Leptinotarsa juncta (false potato beetle), Leptinotarsa lineolata (burrobrush leaf beetle), Leptinotarsa peninsularis, Leptinotarsa rubiginosa, Leptinotarsa texana, Leptinotarsa tlascalana, Leptinotarsa tumamoca, and Leptinotarsa typographica. In specific embodiments, the Leptinotarsa species is at least one selected from the group consisting of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle), Leptinotarsa juncta (false potato beetle), Leptinotarsa haldemani (Haldeman's green potato beetle), and Leptinotarsa lineolata (burrobrush leaf beetle).

The compositions and methods described herein include recombinant polynucleotide molecules, such as recombinant DNA constructs for making transgenic plants resistant to infestation by Leptinotarsa species, and single- or double-stranded DNA or RNA molecules, referred to herein as “triggers”, that are useful for controlling or preventing infestation of a plant by that Leptinotarsa species. In some embodiments, polynucleotide triggers are provided as topically applied agents for controlling or preventing infestation of a plant by a Leptinotarsa species. In some embodiments, solanaceous plants with improved resistance to infestation by Leptinotarsa species, such as transgenic solanaceous plants (including seeds or propagatable parts such as tubers) expressing a polynucleotide trigger are provided. In some embodiments, solanaceous plants (including seeds or propagatable parts such as tubers) that have been topically treated with a composition comprising a polynucleotide trigger (e.g., solanaceous plants that have been sprayed with a solution of dsRNA molecules) are provided. Also provided are polynucleotide-containing compositions that are topically applied to a Leptinotarsa species or to a plant, plant part, or seed to be protected from infestation by a Leptinotarsa species.

Several embodiments relate to suppression of a target gene in a Leptinotarsa species by a polynucleotide trigger. Some embodiments relate to methods for selecting Leptinotarsa target genes that are likely to be effective targets for RNAi-mediated control of a Leptinotarsa species. In some embodiments, target genes selected for RNAi-mediated suppression are genes that are non-repetitive and non-redundant in a Leptinotarsa species genome, or that have low nucleotide diversity, or that are evolutionarily or functionally constrained to have a more synonymous (K_(s)) than nonsynonymous (K_(a)) nucleotide changes. Provided herein are nucleotide sequences referred to herein as the “Target Gene Sequences Group”, which consists of SEQ ID NOs:1-725 and SEQ ID NOs:726-830 and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094. Also provided are nucleotide sequences referred to herein as the “Trigger Sequences Group”, which consists of SEQ ID NOs:831, 842, 849, 898, 910, 925, 928, 931, 932, 937, 938, 940, 941, 942, 943, 944, 945, 947, 948, 949, 950, 951, 952, 955, 956, 957, 958, 960, 961, 964, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 971, 973, 976, 978, 979, 982, 983, 985, 987, 988, 989, 991, 992, 994, 995, 996, 997, 999, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, 1010, 1013, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1022, 1025, 1029, 1030, 1033, 1035, 1036, 1037, 1038, 1039, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1043, 1045, 1046, 1047, 1049, 1050, 1053, 1054, 1058, 1060, 1061, 1064, 1065, 1066, 1067, 1068, 1070, 1073, 1074, 1075, 1077, 1078, 1080, 1081, 1082, 1084, 1085, 1095, 1096, 1097, 1098, 1099, 1100, 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105, 1110, 1111, 1112, 1113, and 1114.

In one aspect, a method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprising contacting the Leptinotarsa species with a polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity (e.g., a segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity) with a corresponding fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. In an embodiment, the method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprises contacting the Leptinotarsa species with a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a target gene having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the target gene. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is double-stranded RNA. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises one or more nucleotide sequences selected from the Trigger Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the contacting with a polynucleotide is achieved by topical application of the polynucleotide, or of a composition or solution containing the polynucleotide (e.g., by spraying or dusting or soaking), directly to the Leptinotarsa species or to a surface or matrix (e.g., a plant or soil) contacted by the Leptinotarsa species. In some embodiments, the contacting with a polynucleotide is achieved by providing a polynucleotide that is ingested by the Leptinotarsa species. In some embodiments, the contacting with a polynucleotide is achieved by providing a transgenic plant that expresses to the Leptinotarsa species.

Several embodiments relate to a method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant by providing in the diet of a Leptinotarsa species an agent comprising a polynucleotide having at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity (e.g., a segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity) with a corresponding fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof, and wherein the agent functions upon ingestion by the Leptinotarsa species to inhibit a biological function within the Leptinotarsa species thereby controlling infestation by the Leptinotarsa species. In an embodiment, the method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprises providing in the diet of the Leptinotarsa species a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a target gene having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the target gene. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises one or more nucleotide sequences selected from the Trigger Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is double-stranded RNA. In some embodiments, the agent containing the polynucleotide is formulated for application to fields of crop plants, e.g., in sprayable solutions or emulsions, tank mixes, or powders. In some embodiments, the agent is biologically produced, e.g., in the form of a microbial fermentation product or expressed in a transgenic plant cell.

In another aspect, a method of causing mortality or stunting in Leptinotarsa species larvae is provided. In some embodiments, at least one RNA comprising at least one silencing element is provided in the diet of a Leptinotarsa species larvae wherein ingestion of the RNA by the Leptinotarsa species larvae results in mortality or stunting in the Leptinotarsa species larvae. In some embodiments, the silencing element is essentially identical or essentially complementary to a fragment of a target gene sequence of the Leptinotarsa species larvae, wherein the target gene is selected from the group consisting of the genes in the Target Gene Sequences Group In an embodiment, the method of causing mortality or stunting in larvae of the Leptinotarsa species comprises providing in the diet of the larvae at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one silencing element comprising 21 contiguous nucleotides that are complementary to a target gene having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the target gene. In some embodiments, the silencing element comprises one or more nucleotide sequences selected from the Trigger Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is double-stranded RNA. Some embodiments relate to a method of causing mortality or lower fecundity in Leptinotarsa species comprising providing in the diet of Leptinotarsa species at least one RNA comprising at least one silencing element essentially identical or essentially complementary to a fragment of a target gene sequence of the Leptinotarsa species larvae wherein ingestion of the RNA by the Leptinotarsa species results in mortality or lower fecundity in the Leptinotarsa species. In some embodiments, the target gene is selected from the group consisting of the genes in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the method causes a decrease in metamorphosis rate or a decrease in feeding activity. In some embodiments, the method is useful for providing plants having increased resistance to infestation by Leptinotarsa species.

Several embodiments relate to a method of providing a plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation comprising topically applying to the plant a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide having at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity (e.g., a segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity) with a corresponding fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. In an embodiment, the method of providing a plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation comprises topically applying to the plant a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a target gene having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the target gene. In an embodiment, the method of providing a plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation comprises topically applying to the plant a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide in a manner such that an effective amount of the polynucleotide is ingested by a Leptinotarsa species feeding on the plant, the polynucleotide comprising at least 21 contiguous nucleotides that are complementary to a target gene having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the target gene. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises one or more nucleotide sequences selected from the Trigger Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is double-stranded RNA. Several embodiments relate to compositions comprising the polynucleotide, formulated for application to fields of crop plants, e.g., in sprayable solutions or emulsions, tank mixes, or powders.

Several embodiments relate to an insecticidal composition for controlling a Leptinotarsa species comprising an insecticidally effective amount of at least one polynucleotide molecule comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or complementary (e.g., a segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity or complementarity) with the corresponding fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide molecule comprises at least 21 contiguous nucleotides that are complementary to a target gene having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the target gene. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises one or more nucleotide sequences selected from the Trigger Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide molecule is a recombinant polynucleotide. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide molecule is RNA. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide molecule is double-stranded RNA. Related embodiments include insecticidal compositions comprising the polynucleotide molecule formulated for application to fields of crop plants, e.g., in sprayable solutions or emulsions, tank mixes, or powders, and optionally comprising one or more additional components, such as a carrier agent, a surfactant, a cationic lipid, an organosilicone, an organosilicone surfactant, a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide pesticide, a safener, and an insect growth regulator.

Several embodiments relate to a method of providing a plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation comprising expressing in the plant at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or complementary to (e.g., a segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity or complementarity with) the corresponding fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises one or more nucleotide sequences selected from the Trigger Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is double-stranded RNA.

Several embodiments relate to a recombinant DNA construct comprising a heterologous promoter operably linked to a DNA element comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity (e.g., a segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity) with the corresponding fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the DNA element encodes a double-stranded RNA. In some embodiments, the double-stranded RNA comprises one or more nucleotide sequences selected from the Trigger Sequences Group. Related embodiments include a plant chromosome or a plastid or a recombinant plant virus vector or a recombinant baculovirus vector comprising the recombinant DNA construct, or comprising the DNA element without the heterologous promoter.

Several embodiments relate to a transgenic solanaceous plant cell having in its genome a recombinant DNA encoding RNA that suppresses expression of a target gene in a Leptinotarsa species that contacts or ingests the RNA, wherein the RNA comprises at least one silencing element having at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides complementary to a fragment of a target gene. In some embodiments, the target gene is selected from the the Target Gene Sequences Group. A specific embodiment is a transgenic solanaceous plant cell having in its genome a recombinant DNA encoding RNA for silencing one or more target genes selected from the group consisting of exocyst genes, ribosomal protein genes, and proteosome genes. In some embodiments, the RNA comprises one or more nucleotide sequences selected from the Trigger Sequences Group.

Several embodiments relate to an isolated recombinant RNA molecule that causes mortality or stunting of growth in a Leptinotarsa species when ingested or contacted by the Leptinotarsa species, wherein the recombinant RNA molecule comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially complementary to (e.g., a segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% complementarity with) the corresponding of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the recombinant RNA molecule is double-stranded RNA. Specific embodiments include an isolated recombinant RNA molecule for suppressing expression of a ribosomal protein such as a ribosomal L7 protein or a protein encoded by SEQ ID NO:730, and an isolated recombinant double-stranded RNA molecule having a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:989, 988, 1104, or 1105.

Several embodiments relate to a method of providing a plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation comprising providing to the plant at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or complementary to (e.g., a segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity or complementarity with) the corresponding fragment of a target gene selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group. In an embodiment, the method of providing a plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation comprises providing to the plant at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment that is identical or complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a target gene or an RNA transcribed from the target gene, wherein the target gene is selected from the group consisting of: the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises one or more nucleotide sequences selected from the Trigger Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is double-stranded RNA.

Several embodiments relate to a method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprising contacting the Leptinotarsa species with a polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or complementary to (e.g., a segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity or complementarity with) the corresponding fragment of equivalent length of a DNA of a target gene selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is double-stranded RNA. In an embodiment, the method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprises contacting the Leptinotarsa species with an effective amount of a double-stranded RNA, one strand of which is complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a gene that encodes a ribosomal protein, wherein RNA interference is induced and mortality occurs. In some embodiments, the double-stranded RNA comprises one or more nucleotide sequences selected from the Trigger Sequences Group.

Several embodiments relate to a method of selecting target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing from a plant genome or from an animal genome. In various embodiments, the method provides a subset of target genes that are present in single- or low-copy-number (non-repetitive and non-redundant) in a particular genome, or that have low nucleotide diversity, or that have a ratio of synonymous (K_(s)) to nonsynonymous (K_(a)) nucleotide changes where K_(s)>>K_(a).

Several embodiments relate to man-made compositions comprising at least one polynucleotide as described herein. In some embodiments, formulations useful for topical application to a plant or substance in need of protection from a Leptinotarsa species infestation are provided. In some embodiments, recombinant constructs and vectors useful for making transgenic solanaceous plant cells and transgenic solanaceous plants are provided. In some embodiments, formulations and coatings useful for treating solanaceous plants, solanaceous plant seeds or propagatable parts such as tubers are provided. In some embodiments, commodity products and foodstuffs produced from such solanaceous plants, seeds, or propagatable parts treated with or containing a polynucleotide as described herein (especially commodity products and foodstuffs having a detectable amount of a polynucleotide as described herein) are provided. Several embodiments relate to polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies that bind a protein encoded by a sequence or a fragment of a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group. Another aspect relates to polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies that bind a protein encoded by a sequence or a fragment of a sequence selected from the Trigger Sequences Group, or the complement thereof. Such antibodies are made by routine methods as known to one of ordinary skill in the art.

In the various embodiments described herein, the plant can be any plant that is subject to infestation by a Leptinotarsa species. Of particular interest are embodiments wherein the plant is a solanaceous plant (family Solanaceae). Examples include a plant selected from the group consisting of potato, tomato, and eggplant. Embodiments include those wherein the plant is an ungerminated solanaceous plant seed, a solanaceous plant in a vegetative stage, or a solanaceous plant in a reproductive stage. Embodiments include those wherein the plant is a “seed potato”, meaning a potato tuber or piece of potato tuber which can be propagated into new potato plants.

Other aspects and specific embodiments of this invention are disclosed in the following detailed description.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. Where a term is provided in the singular, the inventors also contemplate aspects of the invention described by the plural of that term. Where there are discrepancies in terms and definitions used in references that are incorporated by reference, the terms used in this application shall have the definitions given herein. Other technical terms used have their ordinary meaning in the art in which they are used, as exemplified by various art-specific dictionaries, for example, “The American Heritage® Science Dictionary” (Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries, 2011, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Boston and New York), the “McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific and Technical Terms” (6^(th) edition, 2002, McGraw-Hill, New York), or the “Oxford Dictionary of Biology” (6^(th) edition, 2008, Oxford University Press, Oxford and New York). The inventors do not intend to be limited to a mechanism or mode of action. Reference thereto is provided for illustrative purposes only.

Unless otherwise stated, nucleic acid sequences in the text of this specification are given, when read from left to right, in the 5′ to 3′ direction. One of skill in the art would be aware that a given DNA sequence is understood to define a corresponding RNA sequence which is identical to the DNA sequence except for replacement of the thymine (T) nucleotides of the DNA with uracil (U) nucleotides. Thus, providing a specific DNA sequence is understood to define the exact RNA equivalent. A given first polynucleotide sequence, whether DNA or RNA, further defines the sequence of its exact complement (which can be DNA or RNA), a second polynucleotide that hybridizes perfectly to the first polynucleotide by forming Watson-Crick base-pairs. For DNA:DNA duplexes (hybridized strands), base-pairs are adenine:thymine or guanine:cytosine; for DNA:RNA duplexes, base-pairs are adenine:uracil or guanine:cytosine. Thus, the nucleotide sequence of a blunt-ended double-stranded polynucleotide that is perfectly hybridized (where there “100% complementarity” between the strands or where the strands are “complementary”) is unambiguously defined by providing the nucleotide sequence of one strand, whether given as DNA or RNA. By “essentially identical” or “essentially complementary” to a target gene or a fragment of a target gene is meant that a polynucleotide strand (or at least one strand of a double-stranded polynucleotide) is designed to hybridize (generally under physiological conditions such as those found in a living plant or animal cell) to a target gene or to a fragment of a target gene or to the transcript of the target gene or the fragment of a target gene; one of skill in the art would understand that such hybridization does not necessarily require 100% sequence identity or complementarity. A first nucleic acid sequence is “operably” connected or “linked” with a second nucleic acid sequence when the first nucleic acid sequence is placed in a functional relationship with the second nucleic acid sequence. For example, a promoter sequence is “operably linked” to a DNA if the promoter provides for transcription or expression of the DNA. Generally, operably linked DNA sequences are contiguous.

The term “polynucleotide” commonly refers to a DNA or RNA molecule containing multiple nucleotides and generally refers both to “oligonucleotides” (a polynucleotide molecule of 18-25 nucleotides in length) and longer polynucleotides of 26 or more nucleotides. Polynucleotides also include molecules containing multiple nucleotides including non-canonical nucleotides or chemically modified nucleotides as commonly practiced in the art; see, e.g., chemical modifications disclosed in the technical manual “RNA Interference (RNAi) and DsiRNAs”, 2011 (Integrated DNA Technologies Coralville, Iowa). Generally, polynucleotides as described herein, whether DNA or RNA or both, and whether single- or double-stranded, include at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides (or, in the case of double-stranded polynucleotides, at least 18 contiguous base-pairs) that are essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent size of the DNA of a target gene or the target gene's RNA transcript. Throughout this disclosure, “at least 18 contiguous” means “from about 18 to about 10,000, including every whole number point in between”. Thus, embodiments of this invention include oligonucleotides having a length of 18-25 nucleotides (18-mers, 19-mers, 20-mers, 21-mers, 22-mers, 23-mers, 24-mers, or 25-mers), or medium-length polynucleotides having a length of 26 or more nucleotides (polynucleotides of 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, about 100, about 110, about 120, about 130, about 140, about 150, about 160, about 170, about 180, about 190, about 200, about 210, about 220, about 230, about 240, about 250, about 260, about 270, about 280, about 290, or about 300 nucleotides), or long polynucleotides having a length greater than about 300 nucleotides (e.g., polynucleotides of between about 300 to about 400 nucleotides, between about 400 to about 500 nucleotides, between about 500 to about 600 nucleotides, between about 600 to about 700 nucleotides, between about 700 to about 800 nucleotides, between about 800 to about 900 nucleotides, between about 900 to about 1000 nucleotides, between about 300 to about 500 nucleotides, between about 300 to about 600 nucleotides, between about 300 to about 700 nucleotides, between about 300 to about 800 nucleotides, between about 300 to about 900 nucleotides, or about 1000 nucleotides in length, or even greater than about 1000 nucleotides in length, for example up to the entire length of a target gene including coding or non-coding or both coding and non-coding portions of the target gene). Where a polynucleotide is double-stranded, its length can be similarly described in terms of base pairs.

The polynucleotides described herein can be single-stranded (ss) or double-stranded (ds). “Double-stranded” refers to the base-pairing that occurs between sufficiently complementary, anti-parallel nucleic acid strands to form a double-stranded nucleic acid structure, generally under physiologically relevant conditions. Embodiments include those wherein the polynucleotide is selected from the group consisting of sense single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), sense single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), a double-stranded DNA/RNA hybrid, anti-sense ssDNA, or anti-sense ssRNA; a mixture of polynucleotides of any of these types can be used. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is double-stranded RNA of a length greater than that which is typical of naturally occurring regulatory small RNAs (such as endogenously produced siRNAs and mature miRNAs). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is double-stranded RNA of at least about 30 contiguous base-pairs in length. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is double-stranded RNA with a length of between about 50 to about 500 base-pairs. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide can include components other than standard ribonucleotides, e.g., an embodiment is an RNA that comprises terminal deoxyribonucleotides.

In various embodiments, the polynucleotide described herein comprise naturally occurring nucleotides, such as those which occur in DNA and RNA. In certain embodiments, the polynucleotide is a combination of ribonucleotides and deoxyribonucleotides, for example, synthetic polynucleotides consisting mainly of ribonucleotides but with one or more terminal deoxyribonucleotides or one or more terminal dideoxyribonucleotides or synthetic polynucleotides consisting mainly of deoxyribonucleotides but with one or more terminal dideoxyribonucleotides. In certain embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises non-canonical nucleotides such as inosine, thiouridine, or pseudouridine. In certain embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises chemically modified nucleotides. Examples of chemically modified oligonucleotides or polynucleotides are well known in the art; see, for example, U.S. Patent Publication 2011/0171287, U.S. Patent Publication 2011/0171176, U.S. Patent Publication 2011/0152353, U.S. Patent Publication 2011/0152346, and U.S. Patent Publication 2011/0160082, which are herein incorporated by reference. Illustrative examples include, but are not limited to, the naturally occurring phosphodiester backbone of an oligonucleotide or polynucleotide which can be partially or completely modified with phosphorothioate, phosphorodithioate, or methylphosphonate internucleotide linkage modifications, modified nucleoside bases or modified sugars can be used in oligonucleotide or polynucleotide synthesis, and oligonucleotides or polynucleotides can be labeled with a fluorescent moiety (e.g., fluorescein or rhodamine) or other label (e.g., biotin).

Several embodiments relate to a polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the contiguous nucleotides number at least 18, e.g., between 18-24, or between 18-28, or between 20-30, or between 20-50, or between 20-100, or between 50-100, or between 50-500, or between 100-250, or between 100-500, or between 200-1000, or between 500-2000, or even greater. In some embodiments, the contiguous nucleotides number more than 18, e.g., 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or greater than 30, e.g., about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, about 100, about 110, about 120, about 130, about 140, about 150, about 160, about 170, about 180, about 190, about 200, about 210, about 220, about 230, about 240, about 250, about 260, about 270, about 280, about 290, about 300, about 350, about 400, about 450, about 500, or greater than 500 contiguous nucleotides. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a double-stranded nucleic acid (e.g., dsRNA) with one strand comprising at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides with 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof; expressed as base-pairs, such a double-stranded nucleic acid comprises at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous, perfectly matched base-pairs which correspond to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, each segment contained in the polynucleotide is of a length greater than that which is typical of naturally occurring regulatory small RNAs, for example, each segment is at least about 30 contiguous nucleotides (or base-pairs) in length. In some embodiments, the total length of the polynucleotide, or the length of each segment contained in the polynucleotide, is less than the total length of the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the total length of the polynucleotide is between about 50 to about 500 nucleotides (for single-stranded polynucleotides) or base-pairs (for double-stranded polynucleotides). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a dsRNA of between about 100 to about 500 base-pairs, such as a dsRNA of the length of any of the dsRNA triggers disclosed in Tables 3, 5, 8, 9, and 10. Embodiments include those in which the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is an RNA comprising a segment having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or is an RNA hairpin encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is expressed in a plant. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is topically provided to the surface of a plant or Leptinotarsa species.

Several embodiments relate to polynucleotides that are designed to modulate expression by inducing regulation or suppression of a Leptinotarsa species target gene. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides are designed to have a nucleotide sequence essentially identical or essentially complementary to the nucleotide sequence of a Leptinotarsa species target gene or cDNA (e.g., The Target Gene Sequences Group) or to the sequence of RNA transcribed from a Leptinotarsa species target gene, which can be coding sequence or non-coding sequence. These effective polynucleotide molecules that modulate expression may be referred to herein as a “polynucleotide”, “polynucleotide trigger”, “trigger”, or “triggers”.

Effective polynucleotides of any size can be used, alone or in combination, in the various methods and compositions described herein. In some embodiments, a single polynucleotide trigger is used to make a composition (e.g., a composition for topical application, or a recombinant DNA construct useful for making a transgenic plant). In other embodiments, a mixture or pool of different polynucleotide triggers is used; in such cases the polynucleotide triggers can be for a single target gene or for multiple target genes.

As used herein, the term “isolated” refers to separating a molecule from other molecules normally associated with it in its native or natural state. The term “isolated” thus may refer to a DNA molecule that has been separated from other DNA molecule(s) which normally are associated with it in its native or natural state. Such a DNA molecule may be present in a recombined state, such as a recombinant DNA molecule. Thus, DNA molecules fused to regulatory or coding sequences with which they are not normally associated, for example as the result of recombinant techniques, are considered isolated, even when integrated as a transgene into the chromosome of a cell or present with other DNA molecules.

As used herein, the term “Target Gene Sequences Group” refers to the group of sequences consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-725 and SEQ ID NOs:726-830 and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094). As used herein, the term “Trigger Sequences Group” refers to the group of sequences consisting of SEQ ID NOs:831, 842, 849, 898, 910, 925, 928, 931, 932, 937, 938, 940, 941, 942, 943, 944, 945, 947, 948, 949, 950, 951, 952, 955, 956, 957, 958, 960, 961, 964, 966, 967, 968, 969, 970, 971, 973, 976, 978, 979, 982, 983, 985, 987, 988, 989, 991, 992, 994, 995, 996, 997, 999, 1006, 1007, 1008, 1009, 1010, 1013, 1018, 1019, 1020, 1022, 1025, 1029, 1030, 1033, 1035, 1036, 1037, 1038, 1039, 1040, 1041, 1042, 1043, 1045, 1046, 1047, 1049, 1050, 1053, 1054, 1058, 1060, 1061, 1064, 1065, 1066, 1067, 1068, 1070, 1073, 1074, 1075, 1077, 1078, 1080, 1081, 1082, 1084, 1085, 1095, 1096, 1097, 1098, 1099, 1100, 1101, 1102, 1103, 1104, 1105, 1110, 1111, 1112, 1113, and 1114.

In various embodiments, the Leptinotarsa species is at least one selected from the group consisting of Leptinotarsa behrensi, Leptinotarsa collinsi, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle), Leptinotarsa defecta, Leptinotarsa haldemani (Haldeman's green potato beetle), Leptinotarsa heydeni, Leptinotarsa juncta (false potato beetle), Leptinotarsa lineolata (burrobrush leaf beetle), Leptinotarsa peninsularis, Leptinotarsa rubiginosa, Leptinotarsa texana, Leptinotarsa tlascalana, Leptinotarsa tumamoca, and Leptinotarsa typographica. In specific embodiments, the Leptinotarsa species is at least one selected from the group consisting of Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle), Leptinotarsa juncta (false potato beetle), Leptinotarsa haldemani (Haldeman's green potato beetle), and Leptinotarsa lineolata (burrobrush leaf beetle).

Controlling Leptinotarsa Infestations by Contacting with a Polynucleotide

Provided herein are methods for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant by contacting the Leptinotarsa species with a polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides having about 95% to about 100% identity or complementarity with a corresponding fragment of a DNA or target gene selected from the group consisting of: the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. In an embodiment, the method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprises contacting the Leptinotarsa species with a polynucleotide comprising at least 21 contiguous nucleotides with 100% identity with a corresponding fragment of a target gene having a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a double-stranded RNA. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., double-stranded RNA) is chemically synthesized or is produced by expression in a microorganism or by expression in a plant cell. Embodiments include those in which the polynucleotide is a dsRNA comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or wherein the polynucleotide is encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. In an embodiment, the method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprises contacting the Leptinotarsa species with a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a target gene encoded by a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the target gene. Embodiments include those in which the polynucleotide is a dsRNA comprising a strand having a sequence selected from the Trigger Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the method uses a polynucleotide comprising one segment of 127 contiguous nucleotides (SEQ ID NO:831) which is the anti-sense (reverse complement) sequence of 127 contiguous nucleotides of the target gene encoded by SEQ ID NO:825. In some embodiments, the method uses a polynucleotide comprising segments of 409 and 403 contiguous nucleotides (SEQ ID NO:937 and SEQ ID NO:938, respectively) which are the anti-sense (reverse complement) sequences of 409 and 403 contiguous nucleotides, respectively, of a target gene encoded by SEQ ID NO:732. Polynucleotides of use in the method can be designed for multiple target genes. Related aspects of the invention include isolated polynucleotides of use in the method and plants having improved Leptinotarsa resistance provided by the method.

In some embodiments, the contiguous nucleotides have a sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:1-725 and SEQ ID NOs:726-830 and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094 or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the contiguous nucleotides are exactly (100%) identical to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide has an overall sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide comprises at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with 100% identity with the corresponding fragment of a target gene having a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises “neutral” sequence (sequence having no sequence identity or complementarity to the target gene) in addition to one or more segments of 21 contiguous nucleotides with 100% identity with the corresponding fragment of the target gene, and therefore the polynucleotide as a whole is of much lower overall sequence identity with a target gene.

Several embodiments relate to a polynucleotide designed to suppress one or more genes (“target genes”). The term “gene” refers to any portion of a nucleic acid that provides for expression of a transcript or encodes a transcript. A “gene” can include, but is not limited to, a promoter region, 5′ untranslated regions, transcript encoding regions that can include intronic regions, 3′ untranslated regions, or combinations of these regions. In some embodiments, the target genes can include coding or non-coding sequence or both. In other embodiments, the target gene has a sequence identical to or complementary to a messenger RNA, e.g., in some embodiments the target gene is a cDNA. In specific embodiments, the polynucleotide is designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene is encoded by a DNA sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group. In various embodiments, the polynucleotide is designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene is encoded by a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, and can be designed to suppress multiple target genes from this group, or to target different regions of one or more of these target genes. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide comprises multiple segments of 21 contiguous nucleotides with 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In such cases, each segment can be identical or different in size or in sequence, and can be sense or anti-sense relative to the target gene. For example, in one embodiment the polynucleotide comprises multiple segments in tandem or repetitive arrangements, wherein each segment comprises 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the segments can be from different regions of the target gene, e.g., the segments can correspond to different exon regions of the target gene. In some embodiments, “spacer” nucleotides which do not correspond to a target gene can optionally be used in between or adjacent to the segments.

The total length of the polynucleotide of use in this method can be greater than 18 contiguous nucleotides, and can include nucleotides in addition to the contiguous nucleotides having the sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In other words, the total length of the polynucleotide can be greater than the length of the section or segment of the polynucleotide designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene has a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, the polynucleotide can have nucleotides flanking the “active” segment of at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that suppresses the target gene, or include “spacer” nucleotides between active segments, or can have additional nucleotides at the 5′ end, or at the 3′ end, or at both the 5′ and 3′ ends. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide can include additional nucleotides that are not specifically related (having a sequence not complementary or identical to) to the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof, e.g., nucleotides that provide stabilizing secondary structure or for convenience in cloning or manufacturing. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide can include additional nucleotides located immediately adjacent to one or more segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide comprises one such segment, with an additional 5′ G or an additional 3′ C or both, adjacent to the segment. In another embodiment, the polynucleotide is a double-stranded RNA comprising additional nucleotides to form an overhang, for example, a dsRNA comprising 2 deoxyribonucleotides to form a 3′ overhang. Thus in various embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of the entire polynucleotide is not 100% identical or complementary to a sequence of contiguous nucleotides in the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. For example, in some embodiments the polynucleotide comprises at least two segments each of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof, wherein (1) the at least two segments are separated by one or more spacer nucleotides, or (2) the at least two segments are arranged in an order different from that in which the corresponding fragments occur in the DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof.

The polynucleotide of use in this method is provided by suitable means known to one in the art. Embodiments include those wherein the polynucleotide is chemically synthesized (e.g., by in vitro transcription, such as transcription using a T7 polymerase or other polymerase), produced by expression in a microorganism or in cell culture (such as plant or insect cells grown in culture), produced by expression in a plant cell, or produced by microbial fermentation.

In some embodiments the polynucleotide of use in this method is provided as an isolated DNA or RNA fragment. In some embodiments the polynucleotide of use in this method is not part of an expression construct and is lacking additional elements such as a promoter or terminator sequences). Such polynucleotides can be relatively short, such as single- or double-stranded polynucleotides of between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 nucleotides (for single-stranded polynucleotides) or between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 base-pairs (for double-stranded polynucleotides). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a dsRNA of between about 100 to about 500 base-pairs, such as a dsRNA of the length of any of the dsRNA triggers disclosed in Tables 3, 5, 8, 9, and 10. Embodiments include those in which the polynucleotide is a dsRNA comprising a segment having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or wherein the polynucleotide is encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. Alternatively the polynucleotide can be provided in more complex constructs, e.g., as part of a recombinant expression construct, or included in a recombinant vector, for example in a recombinant plant virus vector or in a recombinant baculovirus vector. In some embodiments such recombinant expression constructs or vectors are designed to include additional elements, such as expression cassettes for expressing a gene of interest (e.g., an insecticidal protein).

In various embodiments of the method, the contacting comprises application to a surface of the Leptinotarsa species of a suitable composition comprising the polynucleotide of use in this method; such a composition can be provided, e.g., as a solid, liquid (including homogeneous mixtures such as solutions and non-homogeneous mixtures such as suspensions, colloids, micelles, and emulsions), powder, suspension, emulsion, spray, encapsulated or micro-encapsulation formulation, in or on microbeads or other carrier particulates, in a film or coating, or on or within a matrix, or as a seed treatment. The contacting can be in the form of a seed treatment, or in the form of treatment of “seed potato” tubers or pieces of tuber (e.g., by soaking, coating, or dusting the seed potato). Suitable binders, inert carriers, surfactants, and the like can optionally be included in the composition, as is known to one skilled in formulation of pesticides and seed treatments. In some embodiments, the contacting comprises providing the polynucleotide in a composition that further comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of a carrier agent, a surfactant, a cationic lipid (such as that disclosed in Example 18 of U.S. patent application publication 2011/0296556, incorporated by reference herein), an organosilicone, an organosilicone surfactant, a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide pesticide, a safener, and an insect growth regulator. In some embodiments, the contacting comprises providing the polynucleotide in a composition that further comprises at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein. In one embodiment the contacting comprises providing the polynucleotide in a composition that can be ingested or otherwise absorbed internally by the Leptinotarsa species.

It is anticipated that the combination of certain polynucleotides of use in this method (e.g., the polynucleotide triggers described in the working Examples) with one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agents will result in a synergetic improvement in prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations, when compared to the effect obtained with the polynucleotide alone or the non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent alone. In an embodiment, a composition containing one or more polynucleotides and one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein, is found to effect synergistically improved prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations.

Controlling Leptinotarsa Infestations by Providing a Dietary Polynucleotide

Another aspect of this invention provides a method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprising providing in the diet of a Leptinotarsa species an agent comprising a polynucleotide having at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: The Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof, wherein the agent functions upon ingestion by the Leptinotarsa species to inhibit a biological function within the Leptinotarsa species thereby controlling infestation by the Leptinotarsa species. The polynucleotide can be longer than the segment or segments it contains, but each polynucleotide segment and corresponding DNA fragment are of equivalent length. Polynucleotides of use in the method can be designed for multiple target genes. Embodiments include those in which the agent comprises a dsRNA comprising a segment having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or wherein the agent comprises a polynucleotide or RNA encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. In an embodiment, a method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprising providing in the diet of the Leptinotarsa species a polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a target gene having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the target gene is provided. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a double-stranded RNA. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., double-stranded RNA) is chemically synthesized or is produced by expression in a microorganism or by expression in a plant cell. Embodiments include those in which the polynucleotide is a dsRNA with a strand having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Trigger Sequences Group. Related aspects of the invention include isolated polynucleotides of use in the method and plants having improved Leptinotarsa resistance provided by the method.

In various embodiments, the agent comprising a polynucleotide comprises a microbial cell or is produced in a microorganism. For example, the agent can include or can be produced in bacteria or yeast cells. In other embodiments the agent comprising a polynucleotide comprises a transgenic plant cell or is produced in a plant cell (for example a plant cell transiently expressing the polynucleotide); such plant cells can be cells in an plant or cells grown in tissue culture or in cell suspension.

In various embodiments, the agent comprising a polynucleotide is provided for dietary uptake by the Leptinotarsa species in a form suitable for ingestion, for example, as a solid, liquid (including homogeneous mixtures such as solutions and non-homogeneous mixtures such as suspensions, colloids, micelles, and emulsions), powder, suspension, emulsion, spray, encapsulated or micro-encapsulation formulation, in or on microbeads or other carrier particulates, in a film or coating, or on or within a matrix, or as a seed treatment. The agent comprising a polynucleotide can be provided for dietary uptake by the Leptinotarsa species by applying the agent to a plant subject to infestation by the Leptinotarsa species or by applying the agent to seed of the plant, for example by spraying, dusting, or coating the plant, or by application of a soil drench, or by providing in an artificial diet. The agent comprising a polynucleotide can be provided for dietary uptake by the Leptinotarsa species in an artificial diet formulated to meet the particular nutritional requirements for maintaining the Leptinotarsa species, wherein the artificial diet is supplemented with some amount of the polynucleotide obtained from a separate source such as chemical synthesis or purified from a microbial fermentation; this embodiment can be useful, e.g., for determining the timing and amounts of effective polynucleotide treatment regimes. In some embodiments the agent comprising a polynucleotide is provided for dietary uptake by the Leptinotarsa species in the form of a plant cell or in plant cell components, or in a microorganism (such as a bacterium or a yeast) or a microbial fermentation product, or in a synthetic or man-made diet. In one embodiment the agent comprising a polynucleotide is provided in the form of bait that is ingested by the Leptinotarsa species. The agent comprising a polynucleotide can be provided for dietary uptake by the Leptinotarsa species in the form of a seed treatment, or in the form of treatment of “seed potato” tubers or pieces of tuber (e.g., by soaking, coating, or dusting the seed potato). Suitable binders, inert carriers, surfactants, and the like can be included in the agent, as is known to one skilled in formulation of pesticides and seed treatments. In some embodiments, the agent comprising a polynucleotide further comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of a carrier agent, a surfactant, a cationic lipid (such as that disclosed in Example 18 of U.S. patent application publication 2011/0296556, incorporated by reference herein), an organosilicone, an organosilicone surfactant, a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide pesticide, a safener, and an insect growth regulator. In some embodiments, the agent comprising a polynucleotide further comprises at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein. In some embodiments, the agent comprising a polynucleotide comprises at least one implantable formulation selected from the group consisting of a particulate, pellet, or capsule implanted in the plant; in such embodiments the method comprises implanting in the plant the implantable formulation. In some embodiments, the agent comprising a polynucleotide comprises at least one in-furrow formulation selected from the group consisting of a powder, granule, pellet, capsule, spray, or drench, or any other forms suited for applying to a furrow; in such embodiments, the method comprises an in-furrow treatment with the in-furrow formulation. In some embodiments, the method comprises treatment of a solanaceous plant seed, potato tuber, or piece of potato tuber with the agent.

It is anticipated that the combination of certain polynucleotides of use in agents of use in this method (e.g., the polynucleotide triggers described in the working Examples) with one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agents will result in a synergetic improvement in prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations, when compared to the effect obtained with the polynucleotide alone or the non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent alone. In an embodiment, a composition containing one or more polynucleotides and one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein, is found to effect synergistically improved prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations when provided to the Leptinotarsa species in a diet.

In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a dsRNA comprising a segment having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or wherein the polynucleotide is encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109.

In some embodiments, the contiguous nucleotides have a sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments the contiguous nucleotides are exactly (100%) identical to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide has an overall sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide comprises at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with the corresponding fragment of a target gene having a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or the DNA complement thereof; in some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises “neutral” sequence (having no sequence identity or complementarity to the target gene) in addition to a segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with 100% identity with the corresponding fragment of the target gene, and therefore the polynucleotide as a whole is of much lower overall sequence identity with a target gene.

The polynucleotide of use in this method is generally designed to suppress one or more genes (“target genes”). The term “gene” refers to any portion of a nucleic acid that provides for expression of a transcript or encodes a transcript. A “gene” can include, but is not limited to, a promoter region, 5′ untranslated regions, transcript encoding regions that can include intronic regions, 3′ untranslated regions, or combinations of these regions. In some embodiments, the target genes can include coding or non-coding sequence or both. In other embodiments, the target gene has a sequence identical to or complementary to a messenger RNA, e.g., in some embodiments the target gene is a cDNA. In specific embodiments, the polynucleotide is designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene has a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In various embodiments, the polynucleotide is designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene has a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group, and can be designed to suppress multiple target genes from this group, or to target different regions of one or more of these target genes. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide comprises multiple segments of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In such cases, each segment can be identical or different in size or in sequence, and can be sense or anti-sense relative to the target gene. For example, in one embodiment the polynucleotide comprises multiple segments in tandem or repetitive arrangements, wherein each segment comprises 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof; the segments can be from different regions of the target gene, e.g., the segments can correspond to different exon regions of the target gene, and “spacer” nucleotides which do not correspond to a target gene can optionally be used in between or adjacent to the segments.

The total length of the polynucleotide of use in this method can be greater than 18 contiguous nucleotides, and can include nucleotides in addition to the contiguous nucleotides having the sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In other words, the total length of the polynucleotide can be greater than the length of the section or segment of the polynucleotide designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene has a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, the polynucleotide can have nucleotides flanking the “active” segment of at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that suppresses the target gene, or include “spacer” nucleotides between active segments, or can have additional nucleotides at the 5′ end, or at the 3′ end, or at both the 5′ and 3′ ends. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide can include additional nucleotides that are not specifically related (having a sequence not complementary or identical to) to the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof, e.g., nucleotides that provide stabilizing secondary structure or for convenience in cloning or manufacturing. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide can include additional nucleotides located immediately adjacent to one or more segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide comprises one such segment, with an additional 5′ G or an additional 3′ C or both, adjacent to the segment. In another embodiment, the polynucleotide is a double-stranded RNA comprising additional nucleotides to form an overhang, for example, a dsRNA comprising 2 deoxyribonucleotides to form a 3′ overhang. Thus in various embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of the entire polynucleotide is not 100% identical or complementary to a sequence of contiguous nucleotides in the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. For example, in some embodiments the polynucleotide comprises at least two segments of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof, wherein (1) the at least two segments are separated by one or more spacer nucleotides, or (2) the at least two segments are arranged in an order different from that in which the corresponding fragments occur in the DNA having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof.

The polynucleotide of use in this method is provided by suitable means known to one in the art. Embodiments include those wherein the polynucleotide is chemically synthesized (e.g., by in vitro transcription, such as transcription using a T7 polymerase or other polymerase), produced by expression in a microorganism or in cell culture (such as plant or insect cells grown in culture), produced by expression in a plant cell, or produced by microbial fermentation.

In some embodiments the polynucleotide of use in this method is provided as an isolated DNA or RNA fragment. In some embodiments the polynucleotide of use in this method is not part of an expression construct and is lacking additional elements such as a promoter or terminator sequences. Such polynucleotides can be relatively short, such as single- or double-stranded polynucleotides of between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 nucleotides (for single-stranded polynucleotides) or between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 base-pairs (for double-stranded polynucleotides). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a dsRNA of between about 100 to about 500 base-pairs, such as a dsRNA of the length of any of the dsRNA triggers disclosed in Tables 3, 5, 8, 9, and 10. Alternatively the polynucleotide can be provided in more complex constructs, e.g., as part of a recombinant expression construct, or included in a recombinant vector, for example in a recombinant plant virus vector or in a recombinant baculovirus vector. In some embodiments such recombinant expression constructs or vectors are designed to include additional elements, such as expression cassettes for expressing a gene of interest (e.g., an insecticidal protein).

Controlling Leptinotarsa Infestations by Providing a Dietary RNA

Another aspect of this invention provides a method of causing mortality or stunting in larvae of the Leptinotarsa species by providing in the diet of the larvae at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one silencing element comprising 21 contiguous nucleotides that are complementary to a target gene having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the target gene. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a double-stranded RNA. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., double-stranded RNA) is chemically synthesized or is produced by expression in a microorganism or by expression in a plant cell. In an embodiment, a method of causing mortality or stunting in Leptinotarsa species larvae comprising providing in the diet of Leptinotarsa species larvae at least one RNA comprising at least one silencing element essentially identical or essentially complementary to a fragment of a target gene sequence of the Leptinotarsa species larvae, wherein the target gene sequence is selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group, and wherein ingestion of the RNA by the Leptinotarsa species larvae results in mortality or stunting in the Leptinotarsa species larvae is provided. A related aspect of this invention is an RNA comprising at least one silencing element, wherein the at least one silencing element is essentially identical or essentially complementary to a fragment of a target gene of the Leptinotarsa species larvae, wherein the target gene sequence is selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. The RNA can be longer than the silencing element or silencing elements it contains, but each silencing element and corresponding fragment of a target gene sequence are of equivalent length. RNAs of use in the method can be designed for multiple target genes; embodiments include RNAs comprising at least one silencing element comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or wherein the silencing element is encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. Embodiments include those in which the RNA comprises a dsRNA with a strand having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Trigger Sequences Group. In a related aspect, a method of causing mortality or lower fecundity in Leptinotarsa species comprising providing in the diet of Leptinotarsa species at least one RNA comprising at least one silencing element essentially identical or essentially complementary to a fragment of a target gene sequence of the Leptinotarsa species larvae, wherein the target gene sequence is selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof, and wherein ingestion of the RNA by the Leptinotarsa species results in mortality or lower fecundity in the Leptinotarsa species is provided. Related aspects of the invention include isolated RNAs of use in the method and plants having improved Leptinotarsa resistance provided by the method.

In various embodiments, the diet providing the RNA comprises a microbial cell or is produced in a microorganism. For example, the diet providing the RNA can include or can be produced in bacteria or yeast cells. In similar embodiments the diet providing the RNA comprises a transgenic plant cell or is produced in a plant cell (for example a plant cell transiently expressing the polynucleotide); such plant cells can be cells in an plant or cells grown in tissue culture or in cell suspension.

In one embodiment the diet providing the RNA is provided in the form of any plant that is subject to infestation by a Leptinotarsa species, wherein the RNA is contained in or on the plant. Such plants can be stably transgenic plants that express the RNA, or non-transgenic plants that transiently express the RNA or that have been treated with the RNA, e.g., by spraying or coating. Stably transgenic plants generally contain integrated into their genome a recombinant construct that encodes the RNA. Of particular interest are embodiments wherein the plant is a solanaceous plant (family Solanaceae). Examples include a plant selected from the group consisting of potato, tomato, and eggplant. Embodiments include those wherein the plant is an ungerminated solanaceous plant seed, a solanaceous plant in a vegetative stage, or a solanaceous plant in a reproductive stage. Embodiments include those wherein the plant is a “seed potato”, meaning a potato tuber or piece of potato tuber which can be propagated into new potato plants.

In various embodiments, the diet providing the RNA is provided in a form suitable for ingestion by the Leptinotarsa species, for example, as a solid, liquid (including homogeneous mixtures such as solutions and non-homogeneous mixtures such as suspensions, colloids, micelles, and emulsions), powder, suspension, emulsion, spray, encapsulated or micro-encapsulation formulation, in or on microbeads or other carrier particulates, in a film or coating, or on or within a matrix, or as a seed treatment. The diet providing the RNA can be provided by applying the diet to a plant subject to infestation by the Leptinotarsa species, for example by spraying, dusting, or coating the plant, or by application of a soil drench, or by providing in an artificial diet. In one embodiment the diet providing the recombinant RNA is provided in the form of bait that is ingested by the Leptinotarsa species. The diet providing the RNA can be an artificial diet formulated to meet the particular nutritional requirements for maintaining the Leptinotarsa species, wherein the artificial diet is supplemented with some amount of the RNA obtained from a separate source such as chemical synthesis or purified from a microbial fermentation; this embodiment can be useful, e.g., for determining the timing and amounts of effective polynucleotide treatment regimes. In some embodiments the diet providing the RNA is provided in the form of a plant cell or in plant cell components, or in a microorganism (such as a bacterium or a yeast) or a microbial fermentation product, or in a synthetic diet. In one embodiment the diet providing the RNA is provided in the form of bait that is ingested by the Leptinotarsa species. The diet providing the RNA can be provided in the form of a seed treatment, or in the form of treatment of “seed potato” tubers or pieces of tuber (e.g., by soaking, coating, or dusting the seed potato). Suitable binders, inert carriers, surfactants, and the like can be included in the diet, as is known to one skilled in formulation of pesticides and seed treatments. In some embodiments, the diet providing the RNA further comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of a carrier agent, a surfactant, a cationic lipid (such as that disclosed in Example 18 of U.S. patent application publication 2011/0296556, incorporated by reference herein), an organosilicone, an organosilicone surfactant, a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide pesticide, a safener, and an insect growth regulator. In some embodiments, the diet providing the RNA further comprises at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein. In some embodiments, the diet providing the RNA includes at least one implantable formulation selected from the group consisting of a particulate, pellet, or capsule implanted in the plant; in such embodiments the method comprises implanting in the plant the implantable formulation. In some embodiments, the diet providing the RNA includes at least one in-furrow formulation selected from the group consisting of a powder, granule, pellet, capsule, spray, or drench, or any other forms suited for applying to a furrow; in such embodiments, the method includes an in-furrow treatment with the in-furrow formulation. In some embodiments, the method comprises treatment of a solanaceous plant seed, potato tuber, or piece of potato tuber with the agent.

It is anticipated that the combination of certain RNAs of use in this method (e.g., the dsRNA triggers described in the working Examples) with one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agents will result in a synergetic improvement in prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations, when compared to the effect obtained with the RNA alone or the non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent alone. In an embodiment, a composition containing one or more RNAs and one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein, is found to effect synergistically improved prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations.

The RNA of use in this method can be single-stranded (ss) or double-stranded (ds). Embodiments of the method include those wherein the RNA is at least one selected from the group consisting of sense single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), anti-sense single-stranded (ssRNA), or double-stranded RNA (dsRNA); a mixture of RNAs of any of these types can be used. In one embodiment a double-stranded DNA/RNA hybrid is used. The RNA can include components other than standard ribonucleotides, e.g., an embodiment is an RNA that comprises terminal deoxyribonucleotides.

The RNA comprises at least one silencing element, wherein the silencing element is essentially identical (as the RNA equivalent) or essentially complementary to a fragment of a target gene of the Leptinotarsa species larvae, wherein the target gene sequence is selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the silencing element has a sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments the silencing element is exactly (100%) identical or exactly (100%) complementary (as the RNA equivalent) to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the RNA containing the silencing element(s) has an overall sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with or complementarity to the fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group.

In some embodiments, the silencing element comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of the target gene. In some embodiments the silencing element comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments the silencing element comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides, e.g., between 18-24, or between 18-28, or between 20-30, or between 20-50, or between 20-100, or between 50-100, or between 50-500, or between 100-250, or between 100-500, or between 200-1000, or between 500-2000, or even greater. In some embodiments the silencing element comprises more than 18 contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or greater than 30, e.g., about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, about 100, about 110, about 120, about 130, about 140, about 150, about 160, about 170, about 180, about 190, about 200, about 210, about 220, about 230, about 240, about 250, about 260, about 270, about 280, about 290, about 300, about 350, about 400, about 450, about 500, or greater than 500 contiguous nucleotides. In particular embodiments, the silencing element comprises at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In particular embodiments, the RNA is a double-stranded nucleic acid (e.g., dsRNA) with one strand comprising at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof; expressed as base-pairs, such a double-stranded nucleic acid comprises at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous, perfectly matched base-pairs which correspond to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In particular embodiments, each silencing element contained in the RNA is of a length greater than that which is typical of naturally occurring regulatory small RNAs, e.g., each segment is at least about 30 contiguous nucleotides (or base-pairs) in length. In some embodiments, the total length of the RNA, or the length of each silencing element contained in the RNA, is less than the total length of the sequence of interest (DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group). In some embodiments, the total length of the RNA is between about 50 to about 500 nucleotides (for single-stranded polynucleotides) or base-pairs (for double-stranded polynucleotides). In some embodiments, the RNA is a dsRNA of between about 100 to about 500 base-pairs, such as a dsRNA of the length of any of the dsRNA triggers disclosed in Tables 3, 5, 8, 9, and 10. Embodiments include those in which the RNA is a dsRNA comprising a segment having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or wherein the RNA is encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109.

The RNA of use in this method is generally designed to suppress one or more genes (“target genes”). The term “gene” refers to any portion of a nucleic acid that provides for expression of a transcript or encodes a transcript. A “gene” can include, but is not limited to, a promoter region, 5′ untranslated regions, transcript encoding regions that can include intronic regions, 3′ untranslated regions, or combinations of these regions. In some embodiments, the target genes can include coding or non-coding sequence or both. In other embodiments, the target gene has a sequence identical to or complementary to a messenger RNA, e.g., in some embodiments the target gene is a cDNA. In specific embodiments, the RNA is designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene has a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In various embodiments, the RNA is designed to suppress one or more genes, where each gene has a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group, and can be designed to suppress multiple genes from this group, or to target different regions of one or more of these genes. In an embodiment, the RNA comprises multiple silencing elements each of which comprises at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with or 100% complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In such cases, each silencing element can be identical or different in size or in sequence, and can be sense or anti-sense relative to the target gene. For example, in one embodiment the RNA can include multiple silencing elements in tandem or repetitive arrangements, wherein each silencing element comprises at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with or 100% complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group; the segments can be from different regions of the target gene, e.g., the segments can correspond to different exon regions of the target gene, and “spacer” nucleotides which do not correspond to a target gene can optionally be used in between or adjacent to the segments.

The total length of the RNA can be greater than 18 contiguous nucleotides, and can include nucleotides in addition to the silencing element having a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In other words, the total length of the RNA can be greater than the length of the silencing element designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene has a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, the RNA can have nucleotides flanking the “active” silencing element of at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that suppresses the target gene, or include “spacer” nucleotides between active silencing elements, or can have additional nucleotides at the 5′ end, or at the 3′ end, or at both the 5′ and 3′ ends. In an embodiment, the RNA comprises additional nucleotides that are not specifically related (ihaving a sequence not complementary or identical to) to the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof, e.g., nucleotides that provide stabilizing secondary structure or for convenience in cloning or manufacturing. In an embodiment, the RNA comprises additional nucleotides located immediately adjacent to one or more silencing element of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In an embodiment, the RNA comprises one such silencing element, with an additional 5′ G or an additional 3′ C or both, adjacent to the silencing element. In another embodiment, the RNA is a double-stranded RNA comprising additional nucleotides to form an overhang, for example, a dsRNA comprising 2 deoxyribonucleotides to form a 3′ overhang. Thus in various embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of the entire RNA is not 100% identical or complementary to a fragment of contiguous nucleotides in the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, in some embodiments the RNA comprises at least two silencing elements each of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group4, or the DNA complement thereof, wherein (1) the at least two silencing elements are separated by one or more spacer nucleotides, or (2) the at least two silencing elements are arranged in an order different from that in which the corresponding fragments occur in the DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof.

In some embodiments the RNA consists of naturally occurring ribonucleotides. In certain embodiments, the RNA comprises components other than ribonucleotides, for example, synthetic RNAs consisting mainly of ribonucleotides but with one or more terminal deoxyribonucleotides or one or more terminal dideoxyribonucleotides. In certain embodiments, the RNA comprises non-canonical nucleotides such as inosine, thiouridine, or pseudouridine. In certain embodiments, the RNA comprises chemically modified nucleotides.

The RNA of use in this method is provided by suitable means known to one in the art. Embodiments include those wherein the RNA is chemically synthesized (e.g., by in vitro transcription, such as transcription using a T7 polymerase or other polymerase), produced by expression in a microorganism or in cell culture (such as plant or insect cells grown in culture), produced by expression in a plant cell, or produced by microbial fermentation.

In some embodiments the RNA is provided as an isolated RNA that is not part of an expression construct and is lacking additional elements such as a promoter or terminator sequences. Such RNAs can be relatively short, such as single- or double-stranded RNAs of between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 nucleotides (for single-stranded RNAs) or between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 base-pairs (for double-stranded RNAs). Alternatively the RNA can be provided in more complex constructs, e.g., as part of a recombinant expression construct, or included in a recombinant vector, for example in a recombinant plant virus vector or in a recombinant baculovirus vector. In some embodiments such recombinant expression constructs or vectors are designed to include additional elements, such as including additional RNA encoding an aptamer or ribozyme or an expression cassette for expressing a gene of interest (e.g., an insecticidal protein).

Methods of Providing Plants Having Improved Resistance to Leptinotarsa Infestations, and the Plants, Plant Parts, and Seeds Thus Provided

Another aspect of this invention provides a method of providing a plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation comprising topically applying to the plant a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide having at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of a target gene or DNA having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof, in a manner such that the plant treated with the polynucleotide-containing composition exhibits improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, relative to an untreated plant. In an embodiment, the at least one polynucleotide comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. The polynucleotide can be longer than the segment or segments it contains, but each segment and corresponding fragment of a target gene are of equivalent length. In an embodiment, this invention provides a method of providing a plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation comprising topically applying to the plant a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a target gene having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the target gene. In an embodiment, this invention provides a method of providing a plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation comprising topically applying to the plant a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide in a manner such that an effective amount of the polynucleotide is ingested by Leptinotarsa species feeding on the plant, the polynucleotide comprising at least 21 contiguous nucleotides that are complementary to a target gene having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the target gene. In some embodiments, this invention provides a method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprising topically applying to the plant a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide in a manner such that an effective amount of the polynucleotide is ingested by Leptinotarsa species feeding on the plant, the polynucleotide comprising a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a target gene having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the target gene; wherein the Leptinotarsa species is Leptinotarsa decemlineata; and wherein the target gene has the sequence of SEQ ID NO:730 or wherein the polynucleotide is a double-stranded RNA having a strand with a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:989, 988, 1104, or 1105. Polynucleotides of use in the method can be designed for multiple target genes. Embodiments include those in which the polynucleotide comprises a segment having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or wherein the polynucleotide is encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. Embodiments include those in which the composition comprises a dsRNA with a strand having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Trigger Sequences Group. Related aspects of the invention include compositions for topical application and isolated polynucleotides of use in the method, and plants having improved Leptinotarsa resistance provided by the method.

By “topical application” is meant application to the surface or exterior of an object, such as the surface or exterior of a plant, such as application to the surfaces of a plant part such as a leaf, stem, flower, fruit, shoot, root, seed, tuber, flowers, anthers, or pollen, or application to an entire plant, or to the above-ground or below-ground portions of a plant. Topical application can be carried out on non-living surfaces, such as application to soil, or to a surface or matrix by which a Leptinotarsa insect can come in contact with the polynucleotide. In various embodiments of the method, the composition comprising at least one polynucleotide is topically applied to the plant in a suitable form, e.g., as a solid, liquid (including homogeneous mixtures such as solutions and non-homogeneous mixtures such as suspensions, colloids, micelles, and emulsions), powder, suspension, emulsion, spray, encapsulated or micro-encapsulation formulation, in or on microbeads or other carrier particulates, in a film or coating, or on or within a matrix, or as a seed treatment. In some embodiments of the method, the polynucleotide-containing composition is topically applied to above-ground parts of the plant, e.g., sprayed or dusted onto leaves, stems, and flowering parts of the plant. Embodiments of the method include topical application of a foliar spray (e.g., spraying a liquid polynucleotide-containing composition on leaves of a solanaceous plant) or a foliar dust (e.g., dusting a solanaceous plant with a polynucleotide-containing composition in the form of a powder or on carrier particulates). In other embodiments, the polynucleotide-containing composition is topically applied to below-ground parts of the plant, such as to the roots, e.g., by means of a soil drench. In other embodiments, the polynucleotide-containing composition is topically applied to a seed that is grown into the plant. The topical application can be in the form of topical treatment of fruits of solanaceous plants or seeds from fruits of solanaceous plants, or in the form of topical treatment of “seed potato” tubers or pieces of tuber (e.g., by soaking, coating, or dusting the seed potato). Suitable binders, inert carriers, surfactants, and the like can optionally be included in the polynucleotide-containing composition, as is known to one skilled in formulation of pesticides and seed treatments. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide-containing composition is at least one topically implantable formulation selected from the group consisting of a particulate, pellet, or capsule topically implanted in the plant; in such embodiments the method comprises topically implanting in the plant the topically implantable formulation. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide-containing composition is at least one in-furrow formulation selected from the group consisting of a powder, granule, pellet, capsule, spray, or drench, or any other forms suited for topically applying to a furrow; in such embodiments, the method includes an in-furrow treatment with the in-furrow formulation. In one embodiment the polynucleotide-containing composition can be ingested or otherwise absorbed internally by the Leptinotarsa species. For example, the polynucleotide-containing composition can be in the form of bait. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide-containing composition further comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of a carrier agent, a surfactant, a cationic lipid (such as that disclosed in Example 18 of U.S. patent application publication 2011/0296556, incorporated by reference herein), an organosilicone, an organosilicone surfactant, a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide pesticide, a safener, and an insect growth regulator. In one embodiment the composition further comprises a nonionic organosilicone surfactant such as SILWET® brand surfactants, e.g., SILWET L-77® brand surfactant having CAS Number 27306-78-1 and EPA Number: CAL.REG.NO. 5905-50073-AA, currently available from Momentive Performance Materials, Albany, N.Y. In some embodiments, the topically applied composition further comprises at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein. Alternatively such additional components or pesticidal agents can be provided separately, e.g., by separate topical application or by transgenic expression in the plant. Alternatively the plant is topically treated with the polynucleotide-containing composition as well as with a separate (preceding, following, or concurrent) application of a substance that improves the efficacy of the polynucleotide-containing composition. For example, a plant can be sprayed with a first topical application of a solution containing a nonionic organosilicone surfactant such as SILWET® brand surfactants, e.g., SILWET L-77® brand surfactant, followed by a second topical application of the polynucleotide-containing composition, or vice-versa.

It is anticipated that the combination of certain polynucleotides useful in the polynucleotide-containing composition (e.g., the polynucleotide triggers described in the working Examples) with one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agents will result in a synergetic improvement in prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations, when compared to the effect obtained with the polynucleotide alone or the non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent alone. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide-containing composition is provided as a transgenic plant expressing one or more polynucleotides and one or more genes encoding a non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein, wherein the transgenic plant is found to exhibit synergistically improved resistance to Leptinotarsa species infestations.

The polynucleotide useful in the polynucleotide-containing composition is provided by suitable means known to one in the art. Embodiments include those wherein the polynucleotide is chemically synthesized (e.g., by in vitro transcription, such as transcription using a T7 polymerase or other polymerase), produced by expression in a microorganism or in cell culture (such as plant or insect cells grown in culture), produced by expression in a plant cell, or produced by microbial fermentation.

In many embodiments the polynucleotide useful in the polynucleotide-containing composition is provided as an isolated DNA or RNA fragment. In some embodiments the polynucleotide useful in the polynucleotide-containing composition is not part of an expression construct and is lacking additional elements such as a promoter or terminator sequences). Such polynucleotides can be relatively short, such as single- or double-stranded polynucleotides of between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 nucleotides (for single-stranded polynucleotides) or between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 base-pairs (for double-stranded polynucleotides). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a dsRNA of between about 100 to about 500 base-pairs, such as a dsRNA of the length of any of the dsRNA triggers disclosed in Tables 3, 5, 8, 9, and 10. Alternatively the polynucleotide can be provided in more complex constructs, e.g., as part of a recombinant expression construct, or included in a recombinant vector, for example in a recombinant plant virus vector or in a recombinant baculovirus vector. Such recombinant expression constructs or vectors can be designed to include additional elements, such as expression cassettes for expressing a gene of interest (e.g., an insecticidal protein).

The polynucleotide useful in the polynucleotide-containing composition has at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In an embodiment the polynucleotide comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the contiguous nucleotides have a sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:1-725 or SEQ ID NOs:726-830 or SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094 or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments the contiguous nucleotides are exactly (100%) identical to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide has an overall sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof.

The polynucleotide useful in the polynucleotide-containing composition comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments the polynucleotide comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides, e.g., between 18-24, or between 18-28, or between 20-30, or between 20-50, or between 20-100, or between 50-100, or between 50-500, or between 100-250, or between 100-500, or between 200-1000, or between 500-2000, or even greater. In some embodiments the segment comprises more than 18 contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or greater than 30, e.g., about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, about 100, about 110, about 120, about 130, about 140, about 150, about 160, about 170, about 180, about 190, about 200, about 210, about 220, about 230, about 240, about 250, about 260, about 270, about 280, about 290, about 300, about 350, about 400, about 450, about 500, or greater than 500 contiguous nucleotides. In particular embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In particular embodiments, the polynucleotide is a double-stranded nucleic acid (e.g., dsRNA) with one strand comprising at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof expressed as base-pairs, such a double-stranded nucleic acid comprises at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous, perfectly matched base-pairs which correspond to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In particular embodiments, each segment contained in the polynucleotide is of a length greater than that which is typical of naturally occurring regulatory small RNAs, e.g., each segment is at least about 30 contiguous nucleotides (or base-pairs) in length. In some embodiments, the total length of the polynucleotide, or the length of each segment contained in the polynucleotide, is less than the total length of the sequence of interest (DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group). In some embodiments, the total length of the polynucleotide is between about 50 to about 500 nucleotides (for single-stranded polynucleotides) or base-pairs (for double-stranded polynucleotides). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a dsRNA of between about 100 to about 500 base-pairs, such as a dsRNA of the length of any of the dsRNA triggers disclosed in Tables 3, 5, 8, 9, and 10. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a dsRNA comprising a segment having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or the polynucleotide is encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109.

The topically applied polynucleotide is generally designed to suppress one or more genes (“target genes”). Such target genes can include coding or non-coding sequence or both. In specific embodiments, the polynucleotide is designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene has a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In various embodiments, the topically applied polynucleotide is designed to suppress one or more genes, where each gene has a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group, and can be designed to suppress multiple genes from this group, or to target different regions of one or more of these genes. In an embodiment, the topically applied polynucleotide comprises multiple sections or segments each of which comprises at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In such cases, each section can be identical or different in size or in sequence, and can be sense or anti-sense relative to the target gene. For example, in one embodiment the topically applied polynucleotide can include multiple sections in tandem or repetitive arrangements, wherein each section comprises at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:1-725 or SEQ ID NOs:726-830 or SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094 or the DNA complement thereof the segments can be from different regions of the target gene, e.g., the segments can correspond to different exon regions of the target gene, and “spacer” nucleotides which do not correspond to a target gene can optionally be used in between or adjacent to the segments.

The total length of the topically applied polynucleotide can be greater than 18 contiguous nucleotides, and can include nucleotides in addition to the contiguous nucleotides having the sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In other words, the total length of the topically applied polynucleotide can be greater than the length of the section or segment of the polynucleotide designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene has a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, the topically applied polynucleotide can have nucleotides flanking the “active” segment of at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that suppresses the target gene, or include “spacer” nucleotides between active segments, or can have additional nucleotides at the 5′ end, or at the 3′ end, or at both the 5′ and 3′ ends. In an embodiment, the topically applied polynucleotide comprises additional nucleotides that are not specifically related (having a sequence not complementary or identical to) to the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof, e.g., nucleotides that provide stabilizing secondary structure or for convenience in cloning or manufacturing. In an embodiment, the topically applied polynucleotide comprises additional nucleotides located immediately adjacent to one or more segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In an embodiment, the topically applied polynucleotide comprises one such segment, with an additional 5′ G or an additional 3′ C or both, adjacent to the segment. In another embodiment, the topically applied polynucleotide is a double-stranded RNA comprising additional nucleotides to form an overhang, for example, a dsRNA comprising 2 deoxyribonucleotides to form a 3′ overhang. Thus in various embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of the entire topically applied polynucleotide is not 100% identical or complementary to a fragment of contiguous nucleotides in the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, in some embodiments the topically applied polynucleotide comprises at least two segments each of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof, wherein (1) the at least two segments are separated by one or more spacer nucleotides, or (2) the at least two segments are arranged in an order different from that in which the corresponding fragments occur in the DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof.

In a related aspect, this invention is directed to the plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, provided by this method which comprises topically applying to the plant a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide having at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof, whereby the plant treated with the polynucleotide composition exhibits improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, relative to an untreated plant. An embodiment is a solanaceous plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation when compared to a control plant, provided by topically applying to the plant or to a seed grown into the plant (or, where the plant is a potato plant, to a seed potato grown into the potato plant) a dsRNA trigger having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or a dsRNA trigger encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. In yet another aspect, this invention is directed to seed (especially transgenic progeny seed) produced by the plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, as provided by this method. Also contemplated is a commodity product produced by the plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, as provided by this method, and a commodity product produced from the transgenic progeny seed of such a plant.

Insecticidal Compositions for Controlling Leptinotarsa Species

Another aspect of this invention provides an insecticidal composition for controlling a Leptinotarsa species comprising an insecticidally effective amount of at least one RNA comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of a target gene or DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In this context “controlling” includes inducement of a physiological or behavioural change in a Leptinotarsa species (adult or larvae) such as, but not limited to, growth stunting, increased mortality, decrease in reproductive capacity, decrease in or cessation of feeding behavior or movement, or decrease in or cessation of metamorphosis stage development. By “insecticidally effective” is meant effective in inducing a physiological or behavioural change in a Leptinotarsa species (adult or larvae) such as, but not limited to, growth stunting, increased mortality, decrease in reproductive capacity or decreased fecundity, decrease in or cessation of feeding behavior or movement, or decrease in or cessation of metamorphosis stage development; in some embodiments, application of an insecticidally effective amount of the RNA to a plant improves the plant's resistance to infestation by a Leptinotarsa species. The RNA can be longer than the segment or segments it contains, but each segment and corresponding fragment of a target gene are of equivalent length. RNAs of use in the method can be designed for multiple target genes. Embodiments include those in which the insecticidal composition comprises an insecticidally effective amount of a polynucleotide comprising at least 21 contiguous nucleotides that are complementary to a target gene having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the target gene; or an insecticidally effective amount of at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one silencing element that is complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a target gene or an RNA transcribed from the target gene, wherein the target gene has a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094; or an insecticidally effective amount of at least one RNA comprising at least one segment that is identical or complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a target gene having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the target gene; or an RNA molecule that causes mortality or stunting of growth in a Leptinotarsa species when ingested or contacted by the Leptinotarsa species, wherein the RNA molecule comprises at least 21 contiguous nucleotides that are complementary to a target gene having a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the target gene; or an insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule that causes mortality or stunting of growth in a Leptinotarsa species when ingested or contacted by the Leptinotarsa species, wherein at least one strand of the insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule comprises 21 contiguous nucleotides that are complementary to a target gene or an RNA transcribed from the target gene, wherein the target gene has a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094; or an insecticidally effective amount of at least one double-stranded RNA comprising a sequence selected from the Trigger Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a double-stranded RNA. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., double-stranded RNA) is chemically synthesized or is produced by expression in a microorganism or by expression in a plant cell. Embodiments include insecticidal compositions comprising a dsRNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or wherein the insecticidal composition comprises a polynucleotide or RNA encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. Embodiments include those in which the insecticidal composition comprises a dsRNA with a strand having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Trigger Sequences Group. In an embodiment this invention provides an insecticidal composition for controlling a Leptinotarsa species comprising an insecticidally effective amount of a double-stranded RNA molecule that causes mortality or stunting of growth in a Leptinotarsa species when ingested or contacted by the Leptinotarsa species, wherein the insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule comprises at least one segment that is complementary to 21 contiguous nucleotides of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the DNA, and wherein the double-stranded RNA molecule is at least 50 base-pairs in length or is between about 100 to about 500 base-pairs in length. In an embodiment this invention provides an insecticidal composition for controlling a Leptinotarsa species comprising an insecticidally effective amount of a double-stranded RNA, wherein at least one strand of the double-stranded RNA is complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a gene that encodes a ribosomal protein or an RNA transcribed from the gene, wherein the Leptinotarsa species is Leptinotarsa decemlineata, and wherein RNA interference is induced and Leptinotarsa decemlineata mortality occurs, and wherein the ribosomal protein is a ribosomal L7 protein or a protein encoded by SEQ ID NO:730 or wherein the double-stranded RNA comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:989, 988, 1104, or 1105. Related aspects of the invention include isolated RNAs of use in the composition and plants having improved Leptinotarsa resistance provided by treatment with the composition.

In various embodiments, the insecticidal composition for controlling a Leptinotarsa species is in the form of at least one selected from the group consisting of a solid, liquid (including homogeneous mixtures such as solutions and non-homogeneous mixtures such as suspensions, colloids, micelles, and emulsions), powder, suspension, emulsion, spray, encapsulated or micro-encapsulation formulation, in or on microbeads or other carrier particulates, in a film or coating, or on or within a matrix, or as a seed treatment. Suitable binders, inert carriers, surfactants, and the like can optionally be included in the polynucleotide-containing composition, as is known to one skilled in formulation of insecticides and seed treatments. The Leptinotarsa species to be controlled is generally a species that infests a plant. In some embodiments, the insecticidal composition is at least one implantable formulation selected from the group consisting of a particulate, pellet, or capsule implanted in the plant; in such embodiments the method comprises implanting in the plant the implantable formulation. In some embodiments, the insecticidal composition is at least one in-furrow formulation selected from the group consisting of a powder, granule, pellet, capsule, spray, or drench, or any other forms suited for applying to a furrow; in such embodiments, the method comprises an in-furrow treatment with the in-furrow formulation. In one embodiment the insecticidal composition can be ingested or otherwise absorbed internally by the Leptinotarsa species. For example, the insecticidal composition can be in the form of bait. In some embodiments, the insecticidal composition further comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of a carrier agent, a surfactant, a cationic lipid (such as that disclosed in Example 18 of U.S. patent application publication 2011/0296556, incorporated by reference herein), an organosilicone, an organosilicone surfactant, a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide pesticide, a safener, and an insect growth regulator. In one embodiment the insecticidal composition further comprises a nonionic organosilicone surfactant such as SILWET® brand surfactants, e.g., SILWET L-77® brand surfactant having CAS Number 27306-78-1 and EPA Number: CAL.REG.NO. 5905-50073-AA, currently available from Momentive Performance Materials, Albany, N.Y. In some embodiments, the insecticidal composition further comprises at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein. Alternatively such additional components or pesticidal agents can be provided separately, e.g., by separate topical application or by transgenic expression in the plant. Alternatively the plant is topically treated with the insecticidal composition as well as with a separate (preceding, following, or concurrent) application of a substance that improves the efficacy of the insecticidal composition. For example, a plant can be sprayed with a first topical application of a solution containing a nonionic organosilicone surfactant such as SILWET® brand surfactants, e.g., SILWET L-77® brand surfactant, followed by a second topical application of the insecticidal composition, or vice-versa.

It is anticipated that the combination of certain RNAs of use in this method (e.g., the dsRNA triggers described in the working Examples) with one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agents will result in a synergetic improvement in prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations, when compared to the effect obtained with the RNA alone or the non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent alone. In an embodiment, the insecticidal composition contains one or more RNAs and one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein, and is found to effect synergistically improved prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations.

The Leptinotarsa species to be controlled is generally a species that infests a plant. The plant can be any plant that is subject to infestation by a Leptinotarsa species. Of particular interest are embodiments wherein the plant is a solanaceous plant (family Solanaceae). Examples include a plant selected from the group consisting of potato, tomato, and eggplant. Embodiments include those wherein the plant is an ungerminated solanaceous plant seed, a solanaceous plant in a vegetative stage, or a solanaceous plant in a reproductive stage. Embodiments include those wherein the plant is a “seed potato”, meaning, a potato tuber or piece of potato tuber which can be propagated into new potato plants. In some embodiments, use of the insecticidal composition results in control of the Leptinotarsa species, e.g., in growth stunting, increased mortality, decrease in reproductive capacity, decrease in or cessation of feeding behavior or movement, or decrease in or cessation of metamorphosis stage development. In some embodiments, control of the Leptinotarsa species is observed as improved growth or improved yields of solanaceous plants treated with the insecticidal composition, in comparison to plants not treated with the insecticidal composition. In some embodiments, control of the Leptinotarsa species is observed as decreased numbers of eggs, larvae, or adults of the Leptinotarsa species, decreased defoliation or other damage to the plant, or increased yield of harvestable fruit (e.g., tomatoes or eggplants) or tubers (e.g., potatoes).

In various embodiments, the insecticidal composition comprises a microbial cell or is produced in a microorganism. For example, the insecticidal composition can include or can be produced in bacteria or yeast cells. In similar embodiments the insecticidal composition comprises a transgenic plant cell or is produced in a plant cell (for example a plant cell transiently expressing the polynucleotide); such plant cells can be cells in an plant or cells grown in tissue culture or in cell suspension.

The insecticidal composition can be provided for dietary uptake by the Leptinotarsa species by applying the composition to a plant or surface subject to infestation by the Leptinotarsa species, for example by spraying, dusting, or coating the plant or a seed of the plant or a seed potato, or by application of a soil drench or in-furrow treatment, or by providing in an artificial diet. The insecticidal composition can be provided for dietary uptake by the Leptinotarsa species in an artificial diet formulated to meet the particular nutritional requirements for maintaining the Leptinotarsa species, wherein the artificial diet is supplemented with some amount of the RNA obtained from a separate source such as chemical synthesis or purified from a microbial fermentation; this embodiment can be useful, e.g., for determining the timing and amounts of effective RNA treatment regimes. In some embodiments the insecticidal composition is provided for dietary uptake by the Leptinotarsa species in the form of a plant cell or in plant cell components, or in a microorganism (such as a bacterium or a yeast) or a microbial fermentation product, or in a synthetic diet. In one embodiment the insecticidal composition is provided in the form of bait that is ingested by the Leptinotarsa species. The insecticidal composition can be provided for dietary uptake by the Leptinotarsa species in the form of a seed (or seed potato) treatment.

In one embodiment the insecticidal composition is provided in the form of any plant that is subject to infestation by a Leptinotarsa species, wherein the RNA is contained in or on the plant. Such plants can be stably transgenic plants that express the RNA, or non-transgenic plants that transiently express the RNA or that have been treated with the RNA, e.g., by spraying or coating. Stably transgenic plants generally contain integrated into their genome a recombinant construct that encodes the RNA. Of particular interest are embodiments wherein the plant is a solanaceous plant (family Solanaceae). Examples include a plant selected from the group consisting of potato, tomato, and eggplant. Embodiments include those wherein the plant is an ungerminated solanaceous plant seed, a solanaceous plant in a vegetative stage, or a solanaceous plant in a reproductive stage. Embodiments include those wherein the plant is a “seed potato”, meaning, a potato tuber or piece of potato tuber which can be propagated into new potato plants.

The RNA useful in the insecticidal composition can be single-stranded (ss) or double-stranded (ds). Embodiments include those wherein the RNA is at least one selected from the group consisting of sense single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), anti-sense single-stranded (ssRNA), or double-stranded RNA (dsRNA); a mixture of RNAs of any of these types can be used. In one embodiment a double-stranded DNA/RNA hybrid is used. The RNA can include components other than standard ribonucleotides, e.g., an embodiment is an RNA that comprises terminal deoxyribonucleotides.

The RNA in the insecticidal composition has at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene or DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. In an embodiment the RNA comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the contiguous nucleotides have a sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments the contiguous nucleotides are exactly (100%) identical to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the RNA has an overall sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof.

The RNA in the insecticidal composition comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments the RNA comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides, e.g., between 18-24, or between 18-28, or between 20-30, or between 20-50, or between 20-100, or between 50-100, or between 50-500, or between 100-250, or between 100-500, or between 200-1000, or between 500-2000, or even greater. In some embodiments the segment comprises more than 18 contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or greater than 30, e.g., about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, about 100, about 110, about 120, about 130, about 140, about 150, about 160, about 170, about 180, about 190, about 200, about 210, about 220, about 230, about 240, about 250, about 260, about 270, about 280, about 290, about 300, about 350, about 400, about 450, about 500, or greater than 500 contiguous nucleotides. In particular embodiments, the RNA comprises at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In particular embodiments, the RNA is a double-stranded nucleic acid (e.g., dsRNA) with one strand comprising at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof; expressed as base-pairs, such a double-stranded nucleic acid comprises at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous, perfectly matched base-pairs which correspond to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In particular embodiments, each segment contained in the RNA is of a length greater than that which is typical of naturally occurring regulatory small RNAs, e.g., each segment is at least about 30 contiguous nucleotides (or base-pairs) in length. In some embodiments, the total length of the RNA, or the length of each segment contained in the RNA, is less than the total length of the sequence of interest (DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group). In some embodiments, the total length of the RNA is between about 50 to about 500 nucleotides (for single-stranded RNAs) or base-pairs (for double-stranded RNAs). In some embodiments, the RNA comprises at least one RNA strand of between about 50 to about 500 nucleotides in length. Embodiments include those in which the RNA comprises at least one segment having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or wherein the RNA is encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109.

The RNA in the insecticidal composition is generally designed to suppress one or more genes (“target genes”). Such target genes can include coding or non-coding sequence or both. In specific embodiments, the RNA is designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene has a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In various embodiments, the RNA is designed to suppress one or more genes, where each gene has a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group, and can be designed to suppress multiple genes from this group, or to target different regions of one or more of these genes. In an embodiment, the RNA comprises multiple sections or segments each of which comprises at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In such cases, each section can be identical or different in size or in sequence, and can be sense or anti-sense relative to the target gene. For example, in one embodiment the RNA can include multiple sections in tandem or repetitive arrangements, wherein each section comprises at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof; the segments can be from different regions of the target gene, e.g., the segments can correspond to different exon regions of the target gene, and “spacer” nucleotides which do not correspond to a target gene can optionally be used in between or adjacent to the segments.

The total length of the RNA in the insecticidal composition can be greater than 18 contiguous nucleotides, and can include nucleotides in addition to the contiguous nucleotides having the sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In other words, the total length of the RNA can be greater than the length of the section or segment of the RNA designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene has a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, the RNA can have nucleotides flanking the “active” segment of at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that suppresses the target gene, or include “spacer” nucleotides between active segments, or can have additional nucleotides at the 5′ end, or at the 3′ end, or at both the 5′ and 3′ ends. In an embodiment, the RNA comprises additional nucleotides that are not specifically related (having a sequence not complementary or identical to) to the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof, e.g., nucleotides that provide stabilizing secondary structure or for convenience in cloning or manufacturing. In an embodiment, the RNA comprises additional nucleotides located immediately adjacent to one or more segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In an embodiment, the RNA comprises one such segment, with an additional 5′ G or an additional 3′ C or both, adjacent to the segment. In another embodiment, the RNA is a double-stranded RNA comprising additional nucleotides to form an overhang, for example, a dsRNA comprising 2 deoxyribonucleotides to form a 3′ overhang. Thus in various embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of the entire RNA is not 100% identical or complementary to a fragment of contiguous nucleotides in the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, in some embodiments the RNA comprises at least two segments each of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof, wherein (1) the at least two segments are separated by one or more spacer nucleotides, or (2) the at least two segments are arranged in an order different from that in which the corresponding fragments occur in the DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof.

In various embodiments the RNA in the insecticidal composition consists of naturally occurring ribonucleotides. Embodiments include, for example, synthetic RNAs consisting wholly of ribonucleotides or mainly of ribonucleotides but with one or more terminal deoxyribonucleotides or one or more terminal dideoxyribonucleotides. In certain embodiments, the RNA comprises non-canonical nucleotides such as inosine, thiouridine, or pseudouridine. In certain embodiments, the RNA comprises chemically modified nucleotides. (a) The RNA in the insecticidal composition is provided by suitable means known to one in the art. Embodiments include those wherein the RNA is chemically synthesized (e.g., by in vitro transcription, such as transcription using a T7 polymerase or other polymerase), produced by expression in a microorganism or in cell culture (such as plant or insect cells grown in culture), produced by expression in a plant cell, or produced by microbial fermentation.

In some embodiments the RNA is provided as an isolated RNA that is not part of an expression construct. In some embodiments the RNA is provided as an isolated RNA that is lacking additional elements such as a promoter or terminator sequences. Such RNAs can be relatively short, such as single- or double-stranded RNAs of between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 nucleotides (for single-stranded RNAs) or between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 base-pairs (for double-stranded RNAs). Alternatively the RNA can be provided in more complex constructs, e.g., as part of a recombinant expression construct, or included in a recombinant vector, for example in a recombinant plant virus vector or in a recombinant baculovirus vector. In some embodiments such recombinant expression constructs or vectors are designed to include additional elements, such as including additional RNA encoding an aptamer or ribozyme or an expression cassette for expressing a gene of interest (e.g., an insecticidal protein).

Methods of Providing Plants Having Improved Resistance to Leptinotarsa Species Infestations, and the Plants and Seeds Thus Provided

Another aspect of this invention is directed to a method of providing a plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation comprising expressing in the plant at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of a target gene or DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group, whereby the resulting plant has improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species when compared to a control plant in which the polynucleotide is not expressed. In an embodiment, the method comprises expressing in the plant at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene or DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In an embodiment, the invention provides a method of providing a plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation comprising expressing in the plant at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment that is identical or complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094. By “expressing a polynucleotide in the plant” is generally meant “expressing an RNA transcript in the plant”, e.g., expressing in the plant an RNA comprising a ribonucleotide sequence that is anti-sense or essentially complementary to at least a fragment of a target gene or DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. Embodiments include those in which the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is an RNA comprising at least one segment having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or wherein polynucleotide expressed in the plant is an RNA hairpin encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. Embodiments include those in which the polynucleotide expressed in the plant comprises a dsRNA with a strand having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Trigger Sequences Group. However, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant can also be DNA (e.g., a DNA produced in the plant during genome replication), or the RNA encoded by such DNA. Related aspects of the invention include isolated polynucleotides of use in the method and plants having improved Leptinotarsa resistance provided by the method.

The method comprises expressing at least one polynucleotide in a plant, wherein the polynucleotide comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of a target gene or DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, a first polynucleotide is provided to a plant in the form of DNA (e.g., in the form of an isolated DNA molecule, or as an expression construct, or as a transformation vector), and the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is a second polynucleotide (e.g., the RNA transcript of the first polynucleotide) in the plant. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide is expressed in the plant by transgenic expression, i.e., by stably integrating the polynucleotide into the plant's genome from where it can be expressed in a cell or cells of the plant. In an embodiment, a first polynucleotide (e.g., a recombinant DNA construct comprising a promoter operably linked to DNA comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of a target gene or DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group) is stably integrated into the plant's genome from where secondarily produced polynucleotides (e.g., an RNA transcript comprising the transcript of the segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of a target gene or DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group) are expressed in a cell or cells of the plant. Methods of providing stably transformed plants are provided in the section headed “Making and Using Transgenic Plant Cells and Transgenic Plants”.

In another embodiment the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is expressed by transient expression (i.e., expression not resulting from stable integration of a sequence into the plant's genome). In such embodiments the method can include a step of introducing a polynucleotide (e.g., dsRNA or dsDNA) into the plant by routine techniques known in the art. For example, transient expression can be accomplished by infiltration of a polynucleotide solution using a needle-less syringe into a leaf of a plant.

In some embodiments where the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is expressed by transient expression, a first polynucleotide is provided to a plant in the form of RNA or DNA or both RNA and DNA, and a secondarily produced second polynucleotide is transiently expressed in the plant. In some embodiments, the first polynucleotide is one or more selected from: (a) a single-stranded RNA molecule (ssRNA), (b) a single-stranded RNA molecule that self-hybridizes to form a double-stranded RNA molecule, (c) a double-stranded RNA molecule (dsRNA), (d) a single-stranded DNA molecule (ssDNA), (e) a single-stranded DNA molecule that self-hybridizes to form a double-stranded DNA molecule, (f) a single-stranded DNA molecule comprising a modified Pol III gene that is transcribed to an RNA molecule, (g) a double-stranded DNA molecule (dsDNA), (h) a double-stranded DNA molecule comprising a modified Pol III gene that is transcribed to an RNA molecule, and (i) a double-stranded, hybridized RNA/DNA molecule, or combinations thereof. In specific embodiments, a first polynucleotide is introduced into the plant by topical application to the plant of a polynucleotide-containing composition in a suitable form, e.g., as a solid, liquid (including homogeneous mixtures such as solutions and non-homogeneous mixtures such as suspensions, colloids, micelles, and emulsions), powder, suspension, emulsion, spray, encapsulated or micro-encapsulation formulation, in or on microbeads or other carrier particulates, in a film or coating, or on or within a matrix, or in the form of a treatment of a solanaceous plant seed or treatment of a seed potato. Suitable binders, inert carriers, surfactants, and the like can optionally be included in the composition, as is known to one skilled in formulation of pesticides and seed treatments. In such embodiments, the polynucleotide-containing composition can further include one or more components selected from the group consisting of a carrier agent, a surfactant, a cationic lipid (such as that disclosed in Example 18 of U.S. patent application publication 2011/0296556, incorporated by reference herein), an organosilicone, an organosilicone surfactant, a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide pesticide, a safener, and an insect growth regulator; in one embodiment the composition further comprises a nonionic organosilicone surfactant such as SILWET® brand surfactants, e.g., SILWET L-77® brand surfactant having CAS Number 27306-78-1 and EPA Number: CAL.REG.NO. 5905-50073-AA, currently available from Momentive Performance Materials, Albany, N.Y. In some embodiments, the topically applied composition further comprises at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein. Alternatively such additional components or pesticidal agents can be provided separately, e.g., by separate topical application or by transgenic expression in the plant. Alternatively the plant is topically treated with the polynucleotide-containing composition as well as with a separate (preceding, following, or concurrent) application of a substance that improves the efficacy of the polynucleotide-containing composition. For example, a plant can be sprayed with a first topical application of a solution containing a nonionic organosilicone surfactant such as SILWET® brand surfactants, e.g., SILWET L-77® brand surfactant, followed by a second topical application of the polynucleotide-containing composition, or vice-versa.

It is anticipated that the combination of certain polynucleotides of use in this method (e.g., the polynucleotide triggers described in the working Examples) with one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agents will result in a synergetic improvement in prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations, when compared to the effect obtained with the polynucleotide alone or the non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent alone. In an embodiment, a transgenic plant expressing at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of a target gene or DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group (e.g., the polynucleotide triggers described in the working Examples) and one or more genes encoding a non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein, is found to exhibit synergistically improved resistance to Leptinotarsa species infestations.

In some embodiments where the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is expressed by transient expression, a first polynucleotide is provided to a plant in the form of RNA or DNA or both RNA and DNA, and a secondarily produced second polynucleotide is transiently expressed in the plant; the site of application of the first polynucleotide need not be the same site where the second polynucleotide is transiently expressed. For example, a first polynucleotide can be provided to a plant by topical application onto a leaf, or by injection into a stem, and the second polynucleotide can be transiently expressed elsewhere in the plant, e.g., in the roots or throughout the plant. In some embodiments of the method, a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide is topically applied to above-ground parts of the plant, e.g., sprayed or dusted onto leaves, stems, and flowering parts of the plant. In other embodiments, a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide is topically applied to below-ground parts of the plant, such as to the roots, e.g., by means of a soil drench. In other embodiments, a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide is topically applied to a seed (or, in the case of potatoes, topically applied to a seed potato) that is grown into the plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation. In some embodiments the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is RNA, which can be single-stranded (ss) or double-stranded (ds) RNA or a combination of both.

In some embodiments a first polynucleotide (DNA or RNA or both) is provided to a plant and a second polynucleotide having a sequence corresponding (identical or complementary) to the first polynucleotide is subsequently expressed in the plant. In such embodiments the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is an RNA transcript which can be ssRNA or dsRNA or a combination of both. In some embodiments where the polynucleotide is expressed by transient expression, a first polynucleotide is provided to a plant in the form of RNA or DNA or both RNA and DNA, and a secondarily produced second polynucleotide is transiently expressed in the plant; in such embodiments, the first polynucleotide one or more selected from: (a) a single-stranded RNA molecule (ssRNA), (b) a single-stranded RNA molecule that self-hybridizes to form a double-stranded RNA molecule, (c) a double-stranded RNA molecule (dsRNA), (d) a single-stranded DNA molecule (ssDNA), (e) a single-stranded DNA molecule that self-hybridizes to form a double-stranded DNA molecule, (f) a single-stranded DNA molecule comprising a modified Pol III gene that is transcribed to an RNA molecule, (g) a double-stranded DNA molecule (dsDNA), (h) a double-stranded DNA molecule comprising a modified Pol III gene that is transcribed to an RNA molecule, and (i) a double-stranded, hybridized RNA/DNA molecule, or combinations thereof. In such embodiments where the polynucleotide is expressed by transient expression the first polynucleotide can consist of naturally occurring nucleotides, such as those which occur in DNA and RNA. In such embodiments where the polynucleotide is expressed by transient expression the first polynucleotide can be chemically modified, or comprises chemically modified nucleotides. The first polynucleotide is provided by suitable means known to one in the art. Embodiments include those wherein the first polynucleotide is chemically synthesized (e.g., by in vitro transcription, such as transcription using a T7 polymerase or other polymerase), produced by expression in a microorganism or in cell culture (such as plant or insect cells grown in culture), produced by expression in a plant cell, or produced by microbial fermentation. The first polynucleotide can be provided as an RNA or DNA fragment. Alternatively the first polynucleotide can be provided in more complex constructs, e.g., as part of a recombinant expression construct, or included in a recombinant vector, for example in a recombinant plant virus vector or in a recombinant baculovirus vector; such recombinant expression constructs or vectors can be designed to include additional elements, such as expression cassettes for expressing a gene of interest (e.g., an insecticidal protein).

In some embodiments the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is an RNA molecule and can be relatively short, such as single- or double-stranded RNAs of between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 nucleotides (for single-stranded RNAs) or between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 base-pairs (for double-stranded RNAs). Alternatively the polynucleotide can be provided in more complex constructs, e.g., as part of a recombinant expression construct, or included in a recombinant vector, for example in a recombinant plant virus vector or in a recombinant baculovirus vector. In some embodiments such recombinant expression constructs or vectors are designed to include additional elements, such as expression cassettes for expressing a gene of interest (e.g., an insecticidal protein).

The polynucleotide expressed in the plant has at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In an embodiment the polynucleotide expressed in the plant comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the contiguous nucleotides have a sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments the contiguous nucleotides are exactly (100%) identical to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant has an overall sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof.

The polynucleotide expressed in the plant is generally designed to suppress one or more genes (“target genes”). Such target genes can include coding or non-coding sequence or both. In specific embodiments, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene has a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In various embodiments, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is designed to suppress one or more genes, where each gene has a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group, and can be designed to suppress multiple genes from this group, or to target different regions of one or more of these genes. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant comprises multiple sections or segments each of which comprises at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In such cases, each section can be identical or different in size or in sequence, and can be sense or anti-sense relative to the target gene. For example, in one embodiment the polynucleotide expressed in the plant can include multiple sections in tandem or repetitive arrangements, wherein each section comprises at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof the segments can be from different regions of the target gene, e.g., the segments can correspond to different exon regions of the target gene, and “spacer” nucleotides which do not correspond to a target gene can optionally be used in between or adjacent to the segments.

The total length of the polynucleotide expressed in the plant can be greater than 18 contiguous nucleotides, and can include nucleotides in addition to the contiguous nucleotides having the sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In other words, the total length of the polynucleotide expressed in the plant can be greater than the length of the section or segment of the polynucleotide designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene has a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant can have nucleotides flanking the “active” segment of at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that suppresses the target gene, or include “spacer” nucleotides between active segments, or can have additional nucleotides at the 5′ end, or at the 3′ end, or at both the 5′ and 3′ ends. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant comprises additional nucleotides that are not specifically related (i.e., having a sequence not complementary or identical to) to the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof, e.g., nucleotides that provide stabilizing secondary structure or for convenience in cloning or manufacturing. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant comprises additional nucleotides located immediately adjacent to one or more segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant comprises one such segment, with an additional 5′ G or an additional 3′ C or both, adjacent to the segment. In another embodiment, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is a double-stranded RNA comprising additional nucleotides to form an overhang, for example, a dsRNA comprising 2 deoxyribonucleotides to form a 3′ overhang. Thus in various embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of the entire polynucleotide expressed in the plant is not 100% identical or complementary to a fragment of contiguous nucleotides in the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, in some embodiments the polynucleotide expressed in the plant comprises at least two segments each of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof, wherein (1) the at least two segments are separated by one or more spacer nucleotides, or (2) the at least two segments are arranged in an order different from that in which the corresponding fragments occur in the DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof.

In a related aspect, this invention is directed to the plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, provided by expressing in the plant at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group, whereby the resulting plant has improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation when compared to a control plant in which the polynucleotide is not expressed. In a related aspect, this invention is directed to the plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, provided by expressing in the plant at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof, whereby the resulting plant has improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation when compared to a control plant in which the polynucleotide is not expressed. An embodiment is a solanaceous plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation when compared to a control plant, provided by expressing in the plant an RNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or expressing in the plant an RNA hairpin encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. In yet another aspect, this invention is directed to seed (especially transgenic progeny seed) produced by the plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, as provided by this method. Also contemplated is a commodity product produced by the plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, as provided by this method, and a commodity product produced from the transgenic progeny seed of such a plant.

Recombinant DNA Constructs for Controlling a Leptinotarsa Species

Another aspect of this invention provides a recombinant DNA construct comprising a heterologous promoter operably linked to a DNA element comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the recombinant DNA construct comprises a heterologous promoter operably linked to: (a) DNA comprising a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or an RNA transcribed from the target gene; or (b) a DNA comprising 21 or more contiguous nucleotides having 100% identity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or the DNA complement thereof; or (c) DNA encoding at least one silencing element that is complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a target gene or an RNA transcribed from the target gene, wherein the target gene has a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NO:730, SEQ ID NO:807, SEQ ID NOs:1-725, SEQ ID NOs:726-729, SEQ ID NOs:731-806, SEQ ID NOs:808-830, and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094; or (d) DNA encoding at least one silencing element comprising at least 21 contiguous nucleotides that are complementary to a target gene selected from the genes in the Target Gene Sequences Group or an RNA transcribed from the target gene; or (e) DNA encoding a RNA comprising at least 21 contiguous nucleotides that are complementary to a nucleotide sequence selected from the Trigger Sequences Group, or the complement thereof, or an orthologous nucleotide sequence from a Leptinotarsa species or a Tribolium species, wherein the orthologous nucleotide sequence has at least 95% sequence identity with a nucleotide sequence selected from the Trigger Sequences Group, wherein the percentage sequence identity is calculated over the same length; or (f) DNA encoding a RNA comprising at least one double-stranded RNA region, at least one strand of which comprises at least 21 contiguous nucleotides that are complementary to a nucleotide sequence selected from the Trigger Sequences Group, or the complement thereof, or an orthologous nucleotide sequence from a Leptinotarsa species or a Tribolium species, wherein the orthologous nucleotide sequence has at least 95% sequence identity with a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of the Trigger Sequences Group, wherein the percentage sequence identity is calculated over the same length; or (g) DNA encoding RNA comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from the Trigger Sequences Group, or the complement thereof. Embodiments include a recombinant DNA construct comprising a heterologous promoter operably linked to a DNA element encoding an RNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or comprising a heterologous promoter operably linked to a DNA element encoding an RNA hairpin encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. Embodiments include a recombinant DNA construct comprising a heterologous promoter operably linked to a DNA encoding a dsRNA with a strand having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Trigger Sequences Group. The recombinant DNA constructs are useful in providing a plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, e.g., by expressing in a plant a transcript of such a recombinant DNA construct. The recombinant DNA constructs are also useful in the manufacture of polynucleotides useful in making compositions that can be applied to a plant, seed, propagatable plant part, soil or field, or surface in need of protection from a Leptinotarsa species infestation. Related aspects of the invention include: compositions comprising the recombinant DNA construct; a plant chromosome or a plastid or a recombinant plant virus vector or a recombinant baculovirus vector comprising the recombinant DNA construct; a transgenic solanaceous plant cell having in its genome the recombinant DNA construct, optionally comprising in its genome DNA encoding at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein, and a transgenic solanaceous plant including such a transgenic solanaceous plant cell, or a fruit, seed, or propagatable part of the transgenic solanaceous plant; and plants having improved Leptinotarsa resistance provided by expression of or treatment with the recombinant DNA construct or the RNA encoded therein.

The recombinant DNA construct comprises a heterologous promoter operably linked to DNA comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides has a sequence with about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments the contiguous nucleotides are exactly (100%) identical to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the DNA has an overall sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof.

The recombinant DNA construct therefore comprises a heterologous promoter operably linked to DNA comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides designed to suppress expression of a target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments the DNA comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides, e.g., between 18-24, or between 18-28, or between 20-30, or between 20-50, or between 20-100, or between 50-100, or between 50-500, or between 100-250, or between 100-500, or between 200-1000, or between 500-2000, or even greater. In some embodiments the segment comprises more than 18 contiguous nucleotides, e.g., 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or greater than 30, e.g., about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, about 100, about 110, about 120, about 130, about 140, about 150, about 160, about 170, about 180, about 190, about 200, about 210, about 220, about 230, about 240, about 250, about 260, about 270, about 280, about 290, about 300, about 350, about 400, about 450, about 500, or greater than 500 contiguous nucleotides. In particular embodiments, the DNA encodes an RNA containing at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In particular embodiments, the DNA encodes a double-stranded nucleic acid (e.g., dsRNA) with one strand comprising at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof; expressed as base-pairs, such a double-stranded nucleic acid comprises at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous, perfectly matched base-pairs which correspond to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In particular embodiments, each segment contained in the DNA is of a length greater than that which is typical of naturally occurring regulatory small RNAs. In some embodiments, each segment is at least about 30 contiguous nucleotides (or base-pairs) in length. In some embodiments, the total length of the DNA, or the length of each segment contained in the polynucleotide, is less than the total length of the sequence of interest (DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group). In some embodiments, the total length of the DNA is between about 50 to about 500. In some embodiments, the DNA encodes an RNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the recombinant DNA construct comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109.

The recombinant DNA construct comprises a heterologous promoter operably linked to DNA generally designed to suppress one or more genes (“target genes”). Such target genes can include coding or non-coding sequence or both. In specific embodiments, the recombinant DNA construct is designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene has a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In various embodiments, the recombinant DNA construct is designed to suppress one or more genes, where each gene has a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group, and can be designed to suppress multiple genes from this group, or to target different regions of one or more of these genes. In an embodiment, the recombinant DNA construct comprises a heterologous promoter operably linked to multiple sections or segments each of which comprises at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In such cases, each section can be identical or different in size or in sequence, and can be sense or anti-sense relative to the target gene. For example, in one embodiment the recombinant DNA construct can include a heterologous promoter operably linked to multiple sections in tandem or repetitive arrangements, wherein each section comprises at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof the segments can be from different regions of the target gene, e.g., the segments can correspond to different exon regions of the target gene, and “spacer” nucleotides which do not correspond to a target gene can optionally be used in between or adjacent to the segments.

The recombinant DNA construct comprises a heterologous promoter operably linked to DNA which can have a total length that is greater than 18 contiguous nucleotides, and can include nucleotides in addition to the segment of at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides having the sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In other words, the total length of the DNA can be greater than the length of the segment of the DNA designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene has a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, the DNA can have nucleotides flanking the “active” segment of at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that suppresses the target gene, or include “spacer” nucleotides between active segments, or can have additional nucleotides at the 5′ end, or at the 3′ end, or at both the 5′ and 3′ ends. In an embodiment, the heterologous promoter is operably linked to DNA comprising additional nucleotides that are not specifically related (having a sequence not complementary or identical to) to the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof, e.g., nucleotides that provide stabilizing secondary structure or for convenience in cloning or manufacturing. In an embodiment, the heterologous promoter is operably linked to DNA comprising additional nucleotides located immediately adjacent to one or more segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In an embodiment, the heterologous promoter is operably linked to DNA comprising one such segment, with an additional 5′ G or an additional 3′ C or both, adjacent to the segment. In another embodiment, the heterologous promoter is operably linked to DNA encoding a double-stranded RNA comprising additional nucleotides to form an overhang. Thus in various embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of the entire DNA operably linked to the heterologous promoter is not 100% identical or complementary to a fragment of contiguous nucleotides in the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, in some embodiments the heterologous promoter is operably linked to DNA comprising at least two segments each of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof, wherein (1) the at least two segments are separated by one or more spacer nucleotides, or (2) the at least two segments are arranged in an order different from that in which the corresponding fragments occur in the DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof.

In recombinant DNA constructs, the heterologous promoter is operably linked to DNA that encodes a transcript that can be single-stranded (ss) or double-stranded (ds) or a combination of both. Embodiments of the method include those wherein the DNA encodes a transcript comprising sense single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), anti-sense ssRNA, or double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), or a combination of any of these.

The recombinant DNA construct is provided by suitable means known to one in the art. Embodiments include those wherein the recombinant DNA construct is synthesized in vitro, produced by expression in a microorganism or in cell culture (such as plant or insect cells grown in culture), produced by expression in a plant cell, or produced by microbial fermentation.

The heterologous promoter of use in recombinant DNA constructs is selected from the group consisting of a promoter functional in a plant, a promoter functional in a prokaryote, a promoter functional in a fungal cell, and a baculovirus promoter. Non-limiting examples of promoters are described in the section headed “Promoters”.

In some embodiments, the recombinant DNA construct comprises a second promoter also operably linked to the DNA. For example, the DNA comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides can be flanked by two promoters arranged so that the promoters transcribe in opposite directions and in a convergent manner, yielding opposite-strand transcripts of the DNA that are complementary to and capable of hybridizing with each other to form double-stranded RNA. In one embodiment, the DNA is located between two root-specific promoters, which enable transcription of the DNA in opposite directions, resulting in the formation of dsRNA.

In some embodiments the recombinant DNA construct comprises other DNA elements in addition to the heterologous promoter operably linked to DNA comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. Such DNA elements are known in the art, and include but are not limited to introns, recombinase recognition sites, aptamers or ribozymes, additional and additional expression cassettes for expressing coding sequences (e.g., to express a transgene such as an insecticidal protein or selectable marker) or non-coding sequences (e.g., to express additional suppression elements). Inclusion of one or more recognition sites for binding and cleavage by a small RNA (e.g., by a miRNA or an siRNA that is expressed only in a particular cell or tissue) allows for more precise expression patterns in a plant, wherein the expression of the recombinant DNA construct is suppressed where the small RNA is expressed.

In some embodiments, the recombinant DNA construct is provided in a recombinant vector. By “recombinant vector” is meant a recombinant polynucleotide molecule that is used to transfer genetic information from one cell to another. Embodiments suitable to this invention include, but are not limited to, recombinant plasmids, recombinant cosmids, artificial chromosomes, and recombinant viral vectors such as recombinant plant virus vectors and recombinant baculovirus vectors. Alternative embodiments include recombinant plasmids, recombinant cosmids, artificial chromosomes, and recombinant viral vectors such as recombinant plant virus vectors and recombinant baculovirus vectors comprising the DNA element without the heterologous promoter.

In some embodiments, the recombinant DNA construct is provided in a plant chromosome or plastid, e.g., in a transgenic plant cell or a transgenic plant. Thus, also encompassed by this invention is a transgenic plant cell having in its genome the recombinant DNA construct, as well as a transgenic plant or partially transgenic plant including such a transgenic plant cell. Partially transgenic plants include, e.g., a non-transgenic scion grafted onto a transgenic rootstock including the transgenic plant cell. Embodiments include a transgenic tomato rootstock including the transgenic plant cell. The plant can be any plant that is subject to infestation by a Leptinotarsa species. Of particular interest are embodiments wherein the plant is a solanaceous plant (family Solanaceae). Examples include a plant selected from the group consisting of potato, tomato, and eggplant. Embodiments include those wherein the plant is an ungerminated solanaceous plant seed, a solanaceous plant in a vegetative stage, or a solanaceous plant in a reproductive stage. Embodiments include those wherein the plant is a “seed potato”, meaning a potato tuber or piece of potato tuber which can be propagated into new potato plants. In yet another aspect, this invention is directed to seed (especially transgenic progeny seed) produced by the transgenic plant having in its genome a recombinant DNA construct as described herein. Embodiments also encompass a transgenic seed potato having in its genome a recombinant DNA construct as described herein. Also contemplated is a commodity product produced by such a transgenic plant, and a commodity product produced from the transgenic progeny seed of such a transgenic plant.

The recombinant DNA construct can be provided in a composition for topical application to a surface of a plant or of a plant seed, or for topical application to any substrate needing protection from a Leptinotarsa species infestation. Likewise, the recombinant DNA construct can be provided in a composition for topical application to a Leptinotarsa species, or in a composition for ingestion by a Leptinotarsa species. In various embodiments, such compositions containing the recombinant DNA construct are provided in the form of at least one selected from the group consisting of a solid, liquid (including homogeneous mixtures such as solutions and non-homogeneous mixtures such as suspensions, colloids, micelles, and emulsions), powder, suspension, emulsion, spray, encapsulated or micro-encapsulation formulation, in or on microbeads or other carrier particulates, in a film or coating, or on or within a matrix, or as a seed treatment. The topical application can be in the form of topical treatment of fruits of solanaceous plants or seeds from fruits of solanaceous plants, or in the form of topical treatment of “seed potato” tubers or pieces of tuber (e.g., by soaking, coating, or dusting the seed potato). Suitable binders, inert carriers, surfactants, and the like can be included in the composition containing the recombinant DNA construct, as is known to one skilled in formulation of pesticides and seed treatments. In some embodiments, the composition for topical application containing the recombinant DNA construct is at least one topically implantable formulation selected from the group consisting of a particulate, pellet, or capsule topically implanted in the plant; in such embodiments the method comprises topically implanting in the plant the topically implantable formulation. In some embodiments, the composition for topical application containing the recombinant DNA construct is at least one in-furrow formulation selected from the group consisting of a powder, granule, pellet, capsule, spray, or drench, or any other forms suited for topically applying to a furrow; in such embodiments, the method includes an in-furrow treatment with the in-furrow formulation. In one embodiment the composition for topical application containing the recombinant DNA construct can be ingested or otherwise absorbed internally by the Leptinotarsa species. For example, the composition for topical application containing the recombinant DNA construct can be in the form of bait. In some embodiments, the composition containing the recombinant DNA construct further comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of a carrier agent, a surfactant, a cationic lipid (such as that disclosed in Example 18 of U.S. patent application publication 2011/0296556, incorporated by reference herein), an organosilicone, an organosilicone surfactant, a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide pesticide, a safener, and an insect growth regulator. In one embodiment the composition containing the recombinant DNA construct further comprises a nonionic organosilicone surfactant such as SILWET® brand surfactants, e.g., SILWET L-77® brand surfactant having CAS Number 27306-78-1 and EPA Number: CAL.REG.NO. 5905-50073-AA, currently available from Momentive Performance Materials, Albany, N.Y. In some embodiments, the composition containing the recombinant DNA construct further comprises at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein.

It is anticipated that the combination of certain recombinant DNA constructs as described herein (e.g., recombinant DNA constructs including the polynucleotide triggers described in the working Examples), whether transgenically expressed or topically applied, with one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agents, whether transgenically expressed or topically applied, will result in a synergetic improvement in prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations, when compared to the effect obtained with the recombinant DNA constructs alone or the non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent alone. In an embodiment, a recombinant DNA construct for expressing one or more polynucleotides as well as one or more genes encoding a non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein, is found to provide synergistically improved resistance to Leptinotarsa species infestations in plants expressing the recombinant DNA construct. An embodiment relates to a recombinant DNA construct for expressing an RNA comprising a segment having a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:831-1085 and 1095 as well as one or more genes encoding a non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein.

The composition containing the recombinant DNA construct can be provided for dietary uptake by a Leptinotarsa species by applying the composition to a plant or surface subject to infestation by the Leptinotarsa species, for example by spraying, dusting, or coating the plant, or by application of a soil drench, or by providing in an artificial diet. The composition containing the recombinant DNA construct can be provided for dietary uptake by a Leptinotarsa species in an artificial diet formulated to meet the particular nutritional requirements for maintaining the Leptinotarsa species, wherein the artificial diet is supplemented with some amount of the recombinant DNA construct obtained from a separate source such as in vitro synthesis or purified from a microbial fermentation or other biological source; this embodiment can be useful, e.g., for determining the timing and amounts of effective treatment regimes. In some embodiments the composition containing the recombinant DNA construct is provided for dietary uptake by the Leptinotarsa species in the form of a plant cell or in plant cell components, or in a microorganism (such as a bacterium or a yeast) or a microbial fermentation product, or in a synthetic diet. In one embodiment the composition containing the recombinant DNA construct is provided in the form of bait that is ingested by the Leptinotarsa species. The composition containing the recombinant DNA construct can be provided for dietary uptake by the Leptinotarsa species in the form of a seed treatment.

In various embodiments, the composition containing the recombinant DNA construct comprises a microbial cell or is produced in a microorganism. For example, the composition for containing the recombinant DNA construct can include or can be produced in bacteria or yeast cells. In similar embodiments the composition containing the recombinant DNA construct comprises a transgenic plant cell or is produced in a plant cell (for example a plant cell transiently expressing the recombinant DNA construct); such plant cells can be cells in an plant or cells grown in tissue culture or in cell suspension.

Transgenic Solanaceous Plant Cells

Several embodiments relate to transgenic solanaceous plant cells expressing a polynucleotide useful in the methods described herein for suppressing expression of a target gene in a Leptinotarsa species or for controlling a Leptinotarsa infestation. In one aspect this invention provides a transgenic solanaceous plant cell having in its genome a recombinant DNA encoding RNA comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. In one aspect this invention provides a transgenic solanaceous plant cell having in its genome a recombinant DNA encoding RNA comprising at least one silencing element essentially identical or essentially complementary to a fragment of a target gene sequence of the Leptinotarsa species larvae, wherein the target gene sequence is selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. In one aspect this invention provides a transgenic solanaceous plant cell having in its genome a recombinant DNA encoding RNA that suppresses expression of a target gene in a Leptinotarsa species that contacts or ingests the RNA, wherein the RNA comprises at least one silencing element having at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides complementary to a fragment of the target gene, and wherein the target gene is selected from the group consisting of the genes in the Target Gene Sequences Group. A specific embodiment is a transgenic solanaceous plant cell having in its genome a recombinant DNA encoding RNA that suppresses expression of a target gene in a Leptinotarsa species that contacts or ingests the RNA, wherein the RNA comprises at least one silencing element having at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides complementary to a fragment of one or more exocyst target genes; suitable exocyst target genes include the Leptinotarsa exocyst genes provided in Table 4 or homologous sequences identified from other insect species. In one aspect this invention provides a transgenic solanaceous plant cell having in its genome a recombinant DNA encoding an RNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or a recombinant DNA selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109; embodiments include a transgenic solanaceous plant cell having in its genome a recombinant DNA encoding a dsRNA with a strand having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Trigger Sequences Group. Such transgenic solanaceous plant cells are useful in providing a transgenic solanaceous plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation when compared to a control plant lacking such plant cells. The transgenic solanaceous plant cell can an isolated transgenic solanaceous plant cell, or a transgenic solanaceous plant cell grown in culture, or a transgenic cell of any transgenic solanaceous plant that is subject to infestation by a Leptinotarsa species. Examples include a transgenic solanaceous plant selected from the group consisting of potato, tomato, and eggplant. Embodiments include those wherein the transgenic solanaceous plant is an ungerminated transgenic solanaceous plant seed, a transgenic solanaceous plant in a vegetative stage, or a transgenic solanaceous plant in a reproductive stage. Embodiments include those wherein the transgenic solanaceous plant is a potato tuber or piece of potato tuber (“seed potato”) which can be propagated into new transgenic potato plants.

In an embodiment, the recombinant DNA is stably integrated into the transgenic solanaceous plant's genome from where it can be expressed in a cell or cells of the transgenic solanaceous plant. Methods of providing stably transformed plants are provided in the section headed “Making and Using Transgenic Plant Cells and Transgenic Plants”.

Several embodiments relate to a transgenic solanaceous plant cell having in its genome a recombinant DNA encoding RNA that suppresses expression of a target gene in a Leptinotarsa species that contacts or ingests the RNA, wherein the RNA comprises at least one silencing element complementary to the target gene, and wherein the target gene sequence is selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the complement thereof. In some embodiments, the silencing element comprises at least one 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the silencing element comprises at least one 18 or more contiguous nucleotides capable of hybridizing in vivo or of hybridizing under physiological conditions (e.g., such as physiological conditions normally found in the cells of a Leptinotarsa species) to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. The contiguous nucleotides number at least 18, e.g., between 18-24, or between 18-28, or between 20-30, or between 20-50, or between 20-100, or between 50-100, or between 50-500, or between 100-250, or between 100-500, or between 200-1000, or between 500-2000, or even greater. In some embodiments, the contiguous nucleotides number more than 18, e.g., 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or greater than 30, e.g., about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, about 100, about 110, about 120, about 130, about 140, about 150, about 160, about 170, about 180, about 190, about 200, about 210, about 220, about 230, about 240, about 250, about 260, about 270, about 280, about 290, about 300, about 350, about 400, about 450, about 500, or greater than 500 contiguous nucleotides. In particular embodiments, the silencing element comprises at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In particular embodiments, the RNA is a double-stranded nucleic acid (e.g., dsRNA) with one strand comprising at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof; expressed as base-pairs, such a double-stranded nucleic acid comprises at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous, perfectly matched base-pairs which correspond to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In particular embodiments, each silencing element contained in the RNA is of a length greater than that which is typical of naturally occurring regulatory small RNAs. In some embodiments, each segment is at least about 30 contiguous nucleotides (or base-pairs) in length. In particular embodiments, the RNA is between about 50 to about 500 nucleotides in length. In particular embodiments, the RNA has a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or the RNA is encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109.

In some embodiments, the transgenic solanaceous plant cell is further capable expressing additional heterologous DNA sequences. In an embodiment, the transgenic solanaceous plant cell has a genome that further comprises recombinant DNA encoding at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein. In particular embodiments, the transgenic solanaceous plant cell has stably integrated in its genome (i) recombinant DNA encoding at least one RNA with a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:831-1085 and 1095 and (ii) DNA encoding at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein.

In a related aspect, this invention is directed to a transgenic solanaceous plant including the transgenic solanaceous plant cell, a commodity product produced from the transgenic solanaceous plant, and transgenic progeny solanaceous plant seed or transgenic propagatable part of the transgenic solanaceous plant. Embodiments include a transgenic tomato plant, a transgenic tomato rootstock, a transgenic eggplant, or a transgenic potato plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation. Also contemplated is a commodity product produced by the transgenic solanaceous plant, and a commodity product produced from the transgenic progeny seed of such a transgenic solanaceous plant.

Insecticidal Compositions for Controlling Leptinotarsa Species

Another aspect of this invention provides an insecticidal composition for controlling a Leptinotarsa species, wherein the insecticidal composition consists essentially of an RNA molecule that causes mortality or stunting of growth in a Leptinotarsa species when ingested or contacted by the Leptinotarsa species, and wherein the RNA molecule comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially complementary to a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof. In this context “controlling” a Leptinotarsa species comprises inducement of a physiological or behavioural change in a Leptinotarsa species (adult or larvae) such as, but not limited to, growth stunting or increased mortality. In some embodiments, “controlling” a Leptinotarsa species is achieved by a decrease in reproductive capacity, decrease in or cessation of feeding behavior or movement, or decrease in or cessation of metamorphosis stage development in a Leptinotarsa species. Generally the RNA molecule has been isolated, that is, substantially purified from a mixture such as from a fermentation or from an in vitro synthesis mixture. In one embodiment the RNA molecule comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments the RNA molecule comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially complementary to a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or wherein the RNA molecule is encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. In some embodiments the RNA molecule is double-stranded, and the at least one segment is between about 50 to about 500 base-pairs in length. In some embodiments the RNA molecule is a dsRNA with a strand having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Trigger Sequences Group. In some embodiments, an insecticidal composition is provided for controlling a Leptinotarsa species, wherein the insecticidal composition comprises a double-stranded RNA, wherein at least one strand of the double-stranded RNA is complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a gene that encodes a ribosomal protein or an RNA transcribed from the gene, wherein the Leptinotarsa species is Leptinotarsa decemlineata, and wherein RNA interference is induced and Leptinotarsa decemlineata mortality occurs, and wherein the ribosomal protein is a ribosomal L7 protein or a protein encoded by SEQ ID NO:730 or wherein the double-stranded RNA comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:989, 988, 1104, or 1105.

Embodiments of the RNA molecule include those wherein the segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides has a sequence with about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% complementarity to a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments the contiguous nucleotides are exactly (100%) complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In some embodiments, the RNA molecule has an overall sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% complementarity with a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof.

Embodiments of the RNA molecule include at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides designed to suppress expression of a target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. The contiguous nucleotides of the segment number at least 18, e.g., between 18-24, or between 18-28, or between 20-30, or between 20-50, or between 20-100, or between 50-100, or between 50-500, or between 100-250, or between 100-500, or between 200-1000, or between 500-2000, or even greater. In some embodiments, the contiguous nucleotides number more than 18, e.g., 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or greater than 30, e.g., about 35, about 40, about 45, about 50, about 55, about 60, about 65, about 70, about 75, about 80, about 85, about 90, about 95, about 100, about 110, about 120, about 130, about 140, about 150, about 160, about 170, about 180, about 190, about 200, about 210, about 220, about 230, about 240, about 250, about 260, about 270, about 280, about 290, about 300, about 350, about 400, about 450, about 500, or greater than 500 contiguous nucleotides. In particular embodiments, the RNA molecule comprises at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In particular embodiments, the RNA is a double-stranded nucleic acid (e.g., dsRNA) with one strand comprising at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof; expressed as base-pairs, such a double-stranded nucleic acid comprises at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous, perfectly matched base-pairs which correspond to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In particular embodiments, each segment contained in the RNA molecule is of a length greater than that which is typical of naturally occurring regulatory small RNAs. In some embodiments, each segment is at least about 30 contiguous nucleotides (or base-pairs) in length. In some embodiments, the total length of the RNA molecule, or the length of each segment contained in the RNA molecule, is less than the total length of the sequence of interest (DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group). In some embodiments, the total length of the RNA molecule is between about 50 to about 500 nucleotides (for single-stranded polynucleotides) or base-pairs (for double-stranded polynucleotides). In some embodiments, the RNA molecule is a dsRNA of between about 100 to about 500 base-pairs, such as a dsRNA of the length of any of the dsRNA triggers disclosed in Tables 3, 5, 8, 9, and 10. In some embodiments, the insecticidal composition consists essentially of an insecticidally effective amount of a double-stranded RNA molecule with one strand having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or consists essentially an insecticidally effective amount of an RNA hairpin encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. In some embodiments, the insecticidal composition consists essentially of an insecticidally effective amount of a double-stranded RNA molecule with one strand having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Trigger Sequences Group.

The RNA molecule is generally designed to suppress one or more genes (“target genes”). Such target genes can include coding or non-coding sequence or both. In specific embodiments, the RNA molecule is designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene has a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In various embodiments, the RNA molecule is designed to suppress one or more genes, where each gene has a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group, and can be designed to suppress multiple genes from this group, or to target different regions of one or more of these genes. Embodiments of the RNA molecule include at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides having a sequence designed to suppress one or more genes, where each gene has a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In an embodiment, the RNA molecule comprises multiple sections or segments each of which comprises at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In such cases, each section can be identical or different in size or in sequence. For example, in one embodiment the RNA molecule comprises multiple sections in tandem or repetitive arrangements, wherein each section comprises at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof; the segments can be from different regions of the target gene, e.g., the segments can correspond to different exon regions of the target gene, and “spacer” nucleotides which do not correspond to a target gene can optionally be used in between or adjacent to the segments.

The RNA molecule can have a total length that is greater than 18 contiguous nucleotides, and can include nucleotides in addition to the segment of at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides having the sequence of about 95% to about 100% complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In other words, the total length of the RNA molecule can be greater than the length of the segment which is designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene has a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, the RNA molecule can have nucleotides flanking the “active” segment of at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that suppresses the target gene, or include “spacer” nucleotides between active segments, or can have additional nucleotides at the 5′ end, or at the 3′ end, or at both the 5′ and 3′ ends. In an embodiment, the RNA molecule comprises additional nucleotides that are not specifically related (having a sequence not complementary or identical to) to the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof, e.g., nucleotides that provide stabilizing secondary structure or for convenience in cloning or manufacturing. In an embodiment, the RNA molecule comprises additional nucleotides located immediately adjacent to one or more segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In an embodiment, the RNA molecule comprises one such segment, with an additional 5′ G or an additional 3′ C or both, adjacent to the segment. In another embodiment, the RNA molecule is a double-stranded RNA comprising additional nucleotides to form an overhang, for example, a dsRNA comprising 2 deoxyribonucleotides to form a 3′ overhang. Thus in various embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of the entire RNA molecule is not 100% identical or complementary to a fragment of contiguous nucleotides in the DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, in some embodiments the RNA molecule comprises at least two segments of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof, wherein (1) the at least two segments are separated by one or more spacer nucleotides, or (2) the at least two segments are arranged in an order different from that in which the corresponding fragments occur in the DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof.

The RNA molecule can be single-stranded (ss) or double-stranded (ds) or a combination of both. Embodiments of the RNA molecule include sense single-stranded RNA (ssRNA), anti-sense ssRNA, or double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), or a combination of any of these. The RNA can include components other than standard ribonucleotides, e.g., an embodiment is an RNA that comprises terminal deoxyribonucleotides. In various embodiments the RNA molecule consists of naturally occurring ribonucleotides. In certain embodiments, the RNA molecule is a combination of ribonucleotides and deoxyribonucleotides, for example, synthetic RNA molecule consisting mainly of ribonucleotides but with one or more terminal deoxyribonucleotides or one or more terminal. In certain embodiments, the RNA molecule comprises non-canonical nucleotides such as inosine, thiouridine, or pseudouridine. In certain embodiments, the RNA molecule comprises chemically modified nucleotides.

The RNA molecule is provided by suitable means known to one in the art. Embodiments include those wherein the RNA molecule is synthesized in vitro, produced by expression in a microorganism or in cell culture (such as plant or insect cells grown in culture), produced by expression in a plant cell, or produced by microbial fermentation.

In some embodiments the RNA molecule comprises other RNA elements, such as RNA aptamers or ribozymes, additional non-coding RNA (e.g., additional suppression elements), or one or more recognition sites for binding and cleavage by a small RNA (e.g., by a miRNA or an siRNA that is expressed only in a particular cell or tissue).

The insecticidal composition can be provided for topical application to a surface of a plant or of a plant seed, or for topical application to any substrate needing protection from a Leptinotarsa species infestation. Likewise, the insecticidal composition can be provided for topical application to a Leptinotarsa species, or in a composition for ingestion by a Leptinotarsa species. In various embodiments, the insecticidal composition is provided in the form of at least one selected from the group consisting of a solid, liquid (including homogeneous mixtures such as solutions and non-homogeneous mixtures such as suspensions, colloids, micelles, and emulsions), powder, suspension, emulsion, spray, encapsulated or micro-encapsulation formulation, in or on microbeads or other carrier particulates, in a film or coating, or on or within a matrix. Suitable binders, inert carriers, surfactants, and the like can included in the insecticidal composition, as is known to one skilled in formulation of pesticides and seed treatments. While the insecticidal composition consists essentially of an RNA molecule, in some embodiments the insecticidal composition further comprises at least one non-insecticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a carrier agent, a salt, a surfactant, a cationic lipid (such as that disclosed in Example 18 of U.S. patent application publication 2011/0296556, incorporated by reference herein), an organosilicone, an organosilicone surfactant, a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, and a safener. In one embodiment the composition containing the recombinant RNA molecule further comprises a nonionic organosilicone surfactant such as SILWET® brand surfactants, e.g., SILWET L-77® brand surfactant having CAS Number 27306-78-1 and EPA Number: CAL.REG.NO. 5905-50073-AA, currently available from Momentive Performance Materials, Albany, N.Y. Furthermore, the insecticidal composition can be used in combination with, subsequently to, or preceding, treatment with a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide pesticide (e.g., at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein). Related compositions include combinations of the RNA molecule with a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide pesticide.

The insecticidal composition can be provided for dietary uptake by a Leptinotarsa species by applying the composition to a plant or surface subject to infestation by the Leptinotarsa species, for example by spraying, dusting, or coating the plant, or by application of a soil drench, or by providing in an artificial diet. The insecticidal composition can be provided for dietary uptake by a Leptinotarsa species in an artificial diet formulated to meet the particular nutritional requirements for maintaining the Leptinotarsa species, wherein the artificial diet is supplemented with some amount of the recombinant RNA molecule obtained from a separate source such as in vitro synthesis or purified from a microbial fermentation or other biological source; this embodiment can be useful, e.g., for determining the timing and amounts of effective treatment regimes. The insecticidal composition can be provided for dietary uptake by the Leptinotarsa species in the form of a seed treatment.

Methods of Providing Plants Having Improved Resistance to Leptinotarsa Species Infestations, and the Plants, Plant Parts, and Seeds Thus Provided

Several embodiments relate to a method of providing a plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation comprising providing to the plant at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In an embodiment, this invention provides a method of providing a plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation comprising providing to the plant at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment that is identical or complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a target gene or an RNA transcribed from the target gene, wherein the target gene is selected from the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group or an RNA transcribed from the target gene. Embodiments of these target genes are identified by name in Tables 1, 2 and 4 and include genes having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group, as well as related genes, including orthologues from related insect species, for example related genes from other Leptinotarsa species, Tribolium species, or other related genera. Examples of such related target genes include the Tribolium castaneum genes listed in Table 1. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a double-stranded RNA. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., double-stranded RNA) is chemically synthesized or is produced by expression in a microorganism or by expression in a plant cell. In some embodiments the polynucleotide comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or complementary to a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments the polynucleotide is a dsRNA with a strand having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or wherein the polynucleotide is encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. In some embodiments the polynucleotide comprises a dsRNA with a strand having a sequence selected from the Trigger Sequences Group.

In one embodiment the method comprises topically applying to the plant a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group, whereby the plant treated with the polynucleotide composition exhibits improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, relative to an untreated plant. By “topical application” is meant application to the surface or exterior of an object, such as the surface or exterior of a plant, such as application to the surfaces of a plant part such as a leaf, stem, flower, fruit, shoot, root, seed, tuber, flowers, anthers, or pollen, or application to an entire plant, or to the above-ground or below-ground portions of a plant. Topical application can be carried out on non-living surfaces, such as application to soil, or to a surface or matrix by which a Leptinotarsa insect can come in contact with the polynucleotide. In various embodiments of the method, the polynucleotide-containing composition is topically applied to the plant in a suitable form, e.g., as a solid, liquid (including homogeneous mixtures such as solutions and non-homogeneous mixtures such as suspensions, colloids, micelles, and emulsions), powder, suspension, emulsion, spray, encapsulated or micro-encapsulation formulation, in or on microbeads or other carrier particulates, in a film or coating, or on or within a matrix, or as a seed treatment. In some embodiments of the method, the polynucleotide-containing composition is topically applied to above-ground parts of the plant, e.g., sprayed or dusted onto leaves, stems, and flowering parts of the plant. Embodiments of the method include topical application of a foliar spray (e.g., spraying a liquid polynucleotide-containing composition on leaves of a solanaceous plant) or a foliar dust (e.g., dusting a solanaceous plant with a polynucleotide-containing composition in the form of a powder or on carrier particulates). In other embodiments, the polynucleotide-containing composition is topically applied to below-ground parts of the plant, such as to the roots, e.g., by means of a soil drench. In other embodiments, the polynucleotide-containing composition is topically applied to a seed that is grown into the plant. The topical application can be in the form of topical treatment of fruits of solanaceous plants or seeds from fruits of solanaceous plants, or in the form of topical treatment of “seed potato” tubers or pieces of tuber (e.g., by soaking, coating, or dusting the seed potato). Suitable binders, inert carriers, surfactants, and the like can optionally be included in the polynucleotide-containing composition, as is known to one skilled in formulation of pesticides and seed treatments. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide-containing composition is at least one topically implantable formulation selected from the group consisting of a particulate, pellet, or capsule topically implanted in the plant; in such embodiments the method comprises topically implanting in the plant the topically implantable formulation. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide-containing composition is at least one in-furrow formulation selected from the group consisting of a powder, granule, pellet, capsule, spray, or drench, or any other forms suited for topically applying to a furrow; in such embodiments, the method includes an in-furrow treatment with the in-furrow formulation. In one embodiment the polynucleotide-containing composition can be ingested or otherwise absorbed internally by the Leptinotarsa species. For example, the polynucleotide-containing composition can be in the form of bait. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide-containing composition further comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of a carrier agent, a surfactant, a cationic lipid (such as that disclosed in Example 18 of U.S. patent application publication 2011/0296556, incorporated by reference herein), an organosilicone, an organosilicone surfactant, a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide pesticide, a safener, and an insect growth regulator. In one embodiment the composition further comprises a nonionic organosilicone surfactant such as SILWET® brand surfactants, e.g., SILWET L-77® brand surfactant having CAS Number 27306-78-1 and EPA Number: CAL.REG.NO. 5905-50073-AA, currently available from Momentive Performance Materials, Albany, N.Y. In some embodiments, the topically applied composition further comprises at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein. Alternatively such additional components or pesticidal agents can be provided separately, e.g., by separate topical application or by transgenic expression in the plant. Alternatively the plant is topically treated with the polynucleotide-containing composition as well as with a separate (preceding, following, or concurrent) application of a substance that improves the efficacy of the polynucleotide-containing composition. For example, a plant can be sprayed with a first topical application of a solution containing a nonionic organosilicone surfactant such as SILWET® brand surfactants, e.g., SILWET L-77® brand surfactant, followed by a second topical application of the polynucleotide-containing composition, or vice-versa.

It is anticipated that the combination of certain polynucleotides (e.g., the polynucleotide triggers described in the working Examples) with one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agents will result in a synergetic improvement in prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations, when compared to the effect obtained with the polynucleotide alone or the non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent alone. In an embodiment, a composition containing one or more polynucleotides and one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein, is found to effect synergistically improved prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations when topically applied to a plant.

In some embodiments, the method comprises topically applying to the plant a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. The polynucleotide topically applied to the plant can be single-stranded (ss) or double-stranded (ds).

The polynucleotide topically applied to the plant is provided by suitable means known to one in the art. Embodiments include those wherein the polynucleotide is chemically synthesized (e.g., by in vitro transcription, such as transcription using a T7 polymerase or other polymerase), produced by expression in a microorganism or in cell culture (such as plant or insect cells grown in culture), produced by expression in a plant cell, or produced by microbial fermentation.

In many embodiments the polynucleotide topically applied to the plant is provided as an isolated DNA or RNA. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide topically applied to the plant is not part of an expression construct and is lacking additional elements such as a promoter or terminator sequences. Such polynucleotides can be relatively short, such as single- or double-stranded polynucleotides of between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 nucleotides (for single-stranded polynucleotides) or between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 base-pairs (for double-stranded polynucleotides). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a dsRNA of between about 100 to about 500 base-pairs, such as a dsRNA of the length of any of the dsRNA triggers disclosed in Tables 3, 5, 8, 9, and 10. Alternatively the polynucleotide can be provided in more complex constructs, e.g., as part of a recombinant expression construct, or included in a recombinant vector, for example in a recombinant plant virus vector or in a recombinant baculovirus vector. Such recombinant expression constructs or vectors can be designed to include additional elements, such as expression cassettes for expressing a gene of interest (e.g., an insecticidal protein).

The polynucleotide topically applied to the plant has at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group, or that have a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In an embodiment the polynucleotide topically applied to the plant comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the contiguous nucleotides have a sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with or complementarity to the fragment of equivalent length of a DNA of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments the contiguous nucleotides are exactly (100%) identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide has an overall sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity or complementarity with a fragment of a DNA of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group.

The polynucleotide topically applied to the plant is generally designed to suppress one or more genes (“target genes”). In specific embodiments, the polynucleotide is designed to suppress one or more target genes selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. Embodiments of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group include, but are not limited to, the cDNA sequences selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In various embodiments, the polynucleotide topically applied to the plant is designed to suppress one or more genes, where each gene is selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group, and can be designed to suppress multiple genes from this group, or to target different regions of one or more of these genes. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide topically applied to the plant comprises multiple sections or segments each of which comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity or complementarity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In such cases, each section can be identical or different in size or in sequence, and can be sense or anti-sense relative to the target gene. For example, in one embodiment the polynucleotide topically applied to the plant can include multiple sections in tandem or repetitive arrangements, wherein each section comprises at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity or 100% complementarity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group; the segments can be from different regions of the target gene, e.g., the segments can correspond to different exon regions of a cDNA with a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group, and “spacer” nucleotides which do not correspond to a target gene can optionally be used in between or adjacent to the segments.

The total length of the polynucleotide topically applied to the plant can be greater than 18 contiguous nucleotides, and can include nucleotides in addition to the at least one segment of contiguous nucleotides having the sequence essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In other words, the total length of the polynucleotide topically applied to the plant can be greater than the length of the section or segment of the polynucleotide designed to suppress one or more target genes, where each target gene is selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, the polynucleotide topically applied to the plant can have nucleotides flanking the “active” segment of at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that suppresses the target gene, or include “spacer” nucleotides between active segments, or can have additional nucleotides at the 5′ end, or at the 3′ end, or at both the 5′ and 3′ ends. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide topically applied to the plant comprises additional nucleotides that are not specifically related (having a sequence not complementary or identical to) to the target gene is selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group, e.g., nucleotides that provide stabilizing secondary structure or for convenience in cloning or manufacturing. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide topically applied to the plant comprises additional nucleotides located immediately adjacent to one or more segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to the target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide topically applied to the plant comprises one such segment, with an additional 5′ G or an additional 3′ C or both, adjacent to the segment. In another embodiment, the polynucleotide topically applied to the plant is a double-stranded RNA comprising additional nucleotides to form an overhang, for example, a dsRNA comprising 2 deoxyribonucleotides to form a 3′ overhang. Thus in various embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of the entire polynucleotide topically applied to the plant is not 100% identical or complementary to a fragment of contiguous nucleotides in the target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, in some embodiments the polynucleotide topically applied to the plant comprises at least two segments each of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group, wherein (1) the at least two segments are separated by one or more spacer nucleotides, or (2) the at least two segments are arranged in an order different from that in which the corresponding fragments occur in the target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group.

In a related aspect, this invention is directed to the plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, provided by this method which comprises topically applying to the plant a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group, whereby the plant treated with the polynucleotide composition exhibits improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, relative to an untreated plant. In yet another aspect, this invention is directed to seed (especially transgenic progeny seed) produced by the plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, as provided by this method. Also contemplated is a commodity product produced by the plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, as provided by this method, and a commodity product produced from the transgenic progeny seed of such a plant.

In another embodiment the method comprises expressing in the plant at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group, whereby the plant expressing the polynucleotide exhibits improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, relative to an plant not expressing the polynucleotide. In an embodiment the method comprises expressing in the plant at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity or complementarity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. Embodiments of these target genes are identified by name in Tables 1, 2 and 4 and include genes having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group, as well as related genes, including orthologues from related insect species, for example related genes from other Leptinotarsa species, Tribolium species, or other related genera. Examples of such related target genes include the Tribolium castaneum genes listed in Table 1. By “expressing a polynucleotide in the plant” is generally meant “expressing an RNA transcript in the plant”. However, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant can also be DNA, e.g., a DNA produced in the plant during genome replication.

The method comprises expressing at least one polynucleotide in a plant, wherein the polynucleotide comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, a first polynucleotide is provided to a plant in the form of DNA (e.g., in the form of an isolated DNA molecule, or as an expression construct, or as a transformation vector), and the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is a second polynucleotide (e.g., the RNA transcript of the first polynucleotide) in the plant. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide is expressed in the plant by transgenic expression, i.e., by stably integrating the polynucleotide into the plant's genome from where it can be expressed in a cell or cells of the plant. In an embodiment, a first polynucleotide (e.g., a recombinant DNA construct comprising a promoter operably linked to DNA comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group is stably integrated into the plant's genome from where secondarily produced polynucleotides (e.g., an RNA transcript comprising the transcript of the segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group) are expressed in a cell or cells of the plant. Methods of providing stably transformed plants are provided in the section headed “Making and Using Transgenic Plant Cells and Transgenic Plants”.

In another embodiment the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is expressed by transient expression (i.e., expression not resulting from stable integration of a sequence into the plant's genome). In such embodiments the method can include a step of introducing a polynucleotide (e.g., dsRNA or dsDNA) into the plant by routine techniques known in the art. For example, transient expression can be accomplished by infiltration of a polynucleotide solution using a needle-less syringe into a leaf of a plant.

In some embodiments where the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is expressed by transient expression, a first polynucleotide is provided to a plant in the form of RNA or DNA or both RNA and DNA, and a secondarily produced second polynucleotide is transiently expressed in the plant. In some embodiments, the first polynucleotide is one or more selected from: (a) a single-stranded RNA molecule (ssRNA), (b) a single-stranded RNA molecule that self-hybridizes to form a double-stranded RNA molecule, (c) a double-stranded RNA molecule (dsRNA), (d) a single-stranded DNA molecule (ssDNA), (e) a single-stranded DNA molecule that self-hybridizes to form a double-stranded DNA molecule, (f) a single-stranded DNA molecule comprising a modified Pol III gene that is transcribed to an RNA molecule, (g) a double-stranded DNA molecule (dsDNA), (h) a double-stranded DNA molecule comprising a modified Pol III gene that is transcribed to an RNA molecule, and (i) a double-stranded, hybridized RNA/DNA molecule, or combinations thereof. In specific embodiments, a first polynucleotide is introduced into the plant by topical application to the plant of a polynucleotide-containing composition in a suitable form, e.g., as a solid, liquid (including homogeneous mixtures such as solutions and non-homogeneous mixtures such as suspensions, colloids, micelles, and emulsions), powder, suspension, emulsion, spray, encapsulated or micro-encapsulation formulation, in or on microbeads or other carrier particulates, in a film or coating, or on or within a matrix, or in the form of a treatment of a solanaceous plant seed or treatment of a seed potato. Suitable binders, inert carriers, surfactants, and the like can optionally be included in the composition, as is known to one skilled in formulation of pesticides and seed treatments. In such embodiments, the polynucleotide-containing composition can further include one or more components selected from the group consisting of a carrier agent, a surfactant, a cationic lipid (such as that disclosed in Example 18 of U.S. patent application publication 2011/0296556, incorporated by reference herein), an organosilicone, an organosilicone surfactant, a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide pesticide, a safener, and an insect growth regulator; in one embodiment the composition further comprises a nonionic organosilicone surfactant such as SILWET® brand surfactants, e.g., SILWET L-77® brand surfactant having CAS Number 27306-78-1 and EPA Number: CAL.REG.NO. 5905-50073-AA, currently available from Momentive Performance Materials, Albany, N.Y. In some embodiments, the topically applied composition further comprises at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein. Alternatively such additional components or pesticidal agents can be provided separately, e.g., by separate topical application or by transgenic expression in the plant. Alternatively the plant is topically treated with the polynucleotide-containing composition as well as with a separate (preceding, following, or concurrent) application of a substance that improves the efficacy of the polynucleotide-containing composition. For example, a plant can be sprayed with a first topical application of a solution containing a nonionic organosilicone surfactant such as SILWET® brand surfactants, e.g., SILWET L-77® brand surfactant, followed by a second topical application of the polynucleotide-containing composition, or vice-versa.

It is anticipated that the combination of certain polynucleotides of use in this method (e.g., the polynucleotide triggers described in the working Examples) with one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agents will result in a synergetic improvement in prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations, when compared to the effect obtained with the polynucleotide alone or the non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent alone. In an embodiment, a transgenic plant expressing at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in Table 1 (e.g., the polynucleotide triggers described in the working Examples) and one or more genes encoding a non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein, is found to exhibit synergistically improved resistance to Leptinotarsa species infestations.

In some embodiments where the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is expressed by transient expression, a first polynucleotide is provided to a plant in the form of RNA or DNA or both RNA and DNA, and a secondarily produced second polynucleotide is transiently expressed in the plant; the site of application of the first polynucleotide need not be the same site where the second polynucleotide is transiently expressed. For example, a first polynucleotide can be provided to a plant by topical application onto a leaf, or by injection into a stem, and the second polynucleotide can be transiently expressed elsewhere in the plant, e.g., in the roots or throughout the plant. In some embodiments of the method, a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide is topically applied to above-ground parts of the plant, e.g., sprayed or dusted onto leaves, stems, and flowering parts of the plant. In other embodiments, a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide is topically applied to below-ground parts of the plant, such as to the roots, e.g., by means of a soil drench. In other embodiments, a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide is topically applied to a seed (or, in the case of potatoes, topically applied to a seed potato) that is grown into the plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation.

In some embodiments the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is RNA, which can be single-stranded (ss) or double-stranded (ds) RNA or a combination of both.

In some embodiments a first polynucleotide (DNA or RNA or both) is provided to a plant and a second polynucleotide having a sequence corresponding (identical or complementary) to the first polynucleotide is subsequently expressed in the plant. In such embodiments the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is an RNA transcript which can be ssRNA or dsRNA or a combination of both. In some embodiments where the polynucleotide is expressed by transient expression, a first polynucleotide is provided to a plant in the form of RNA or DNA or both RNA and DNA, and a secondarily produced second polynucleotide is transiently expressed in the plant; in such embodiments, the first polynucleotide one or more selected from: (a) a single-stranded RNA molecule (ssRNA), (b) a single-stranded RNA molecule that self-hybridizes to form a double-stranded RNA molecule, (c) a double-stranded RNA molecule (dsRNA), (d) a single-stranded DNA molecule (ssDNA), (e) a single-stranded DNA molecule that self-hybridizes to form a double-stranded DNA molecule, (f) a single-stranded DNA molecule comprising a modified Pol III gene that is transcribed to an RNA molecule, (g) a double-stranded DNA molecule (dsDNA), (h) a double-stranded DNA molecule comprising a modified Pol III gene that is transcribed to an RNA molecule, and (i) a double-stranded, hybridized RNA/DNA molecule, or combinations thereof. In such embodiments where the polynucleotide is expressed by transient expression the first polynucleotide can consist of naturally occurring nucleotides, such as those which occur in DNA and RNA. In such embodiments where the polynucleotide is expressed by transient expression the first polynucleotide can be chemically modified, or comprises chemically modified nucleotides. The first polynucleotide is provided by suitable means known to one in the art. Embodiments include those wherein the first polynucleotide is chemically synthesized (e.g., by in vitro transcription, such as transcription using a T7 polymerase or other polymerase), produced by expression in a microorganism or in cell culture (such as plant or insect cells grown in culture), produced by expression in a plant cell, or produced by microbial fermentation. The first polynucleotide can be provided as an RNA or DNA fragment. Alternatively the first polynucleotide can be provided in more complex constructs, e.g., as part of a recombinant expression construct, or included in a recombinant vector, for example in a recombinant plant virus vector or in a recombinant baculovirus vector; such recombinant expression constructs or vectors can be designed to include additional elements, such as expression cassettes for expressing a gene of interest (e.g., an insecticidal protein).

In some embodiments the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is an RNA molecule and can be relatively short, such as single- or double-stranded RNAs of between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 nucleotides (for single-stranded RNAs) or between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 base-pairs (for double-stranded RNAs). Alternatively the polynucleotide can be provided in more complex constructs, e.g., as part of a recombinant expression construct, or included in a recombinant vector, for example in a recombinant plant virus vector or in a recombinant baculovirus vector. In some embodiments such recombinant expression constructs or vectors are designed to include additional elements, such as expression cassettes for expressing a gene of interest (e.g., an insecticidal protein).

The polynucleotide expressed in the plant has at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In an embodiment the polynucleotide expressed in the plant comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the contiguous nucleotides have a sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments the contiguous nucleotides are exactly (100%) identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant has an overall sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group.

The polynucleotide expressed in the plant is generally designed to suppress one or more genes (“target genes”). Such target genes can include coding or non-coding sequence or both. In specific embodiments, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is designed to suppress one or more target genes selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In various embodiments, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is designed to suppress one or more target genes selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group, and can be designed to suppress multiple genes from this group, or to target different regions of one or more of these genes. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant comprises multiple sections or segments each of which comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In such cases, each section can be identical or different in size or in sequence, and can be sense or anti-sense relative to the target gene. For example, in one embodiment the polynucleotide expressed in the plant can include multiple sections in tandem or repetitive arrangements, wherein each section comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group; the segments can be from different regions of the target gene, e.g., the segments can correspond to different exon regions of the target gene, and “spacer” nucleotides which do not correspond to a target gene can optionally be used in between or adjacent to the segments.

The total length of the polynucleotide expressed in the plant can be greater than 18 contiguous nucleotides, and can include nucleotides in addition to the contiguous nucleotides having the sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In other words, the total length of the polynucleotide expressed in the plant can be greater than the length of the section or segment of the polynucleotide designed to suppress one or more target genes selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant can have nucleotides flanking the “active” segment of at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that suppresses the target gene, or include “spacer” nucleotides between active segments, or can have additional nucleotides at the 5′ end, or at the 3′ end, or at both the 5′ and 3′ ends. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant comprises additional nucleotides that are not specifically related (having a sequence not complementary or identical to) to the target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group, e.g., nucleotides that provide stabilizing secondary structure or for convenience in cloning or manufacturing. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant comprises additional nucleotides located immediately adjacent to one or more segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant comprises one such segment, with an additional 5′ G or an additional 3′ C or both, adjacent to the segment. In another embodiment, the polynucleotide expressed in the plant is a double-stranded RNA comprising additional nucleotides to form an overhang, for example, a dsRNA comprising 2 deoxyribonucleotides to form a 3′ overhang. Thus in various embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of the entire polynucleotide expressed in the plant is not 100% identical or complementary to a fragment of contiguous nucleotides in the target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, in some embodiments the polynucleotide expressed in the plant comprises at least two segments of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with or 100% complementarity to a fragment of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group, wherein (1) the at least two segments are separated by one or more spacer nucleotides, or (2) the at least two segments are arranged in an order different from that in which the corresponding fragments occur in the target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group.

In a related aspect, this invention is directed to the plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, provided by expressing in the plant at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group, whereby the resulting plant has improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation when compared to a control plant in which the polynucleotide is not expressed. In a related aspect, this invention is directed to the plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, provided by expressing in the plant at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group, whereby the resulting plant has improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation when compared to a control plant in which the polynucleotide is not expressed. An embodiment is a solanaceous plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation when compared to a control plant, provided by expressing in the plant an RNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:831-1085 and 1095. In yet another aspect, this invention is directed to seed or propagatable parts (especially transgenic progeny seed or propagatable parts) produced by the plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, as provided by this method. Also contemplated is a commodity product produced by the plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, as provided by this method, and a commodity product produced from the transgenic progeny seed or propagatable parts of such a plant.

Methods of Controlling Leptinotarsa Species Infestations of a Plant

Several embodiments relate to a method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprising contacting the Leptinotarsa species with a polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In this context “controlling” includes inducement of a physiological or behavioural change in a Leptinotarsa species (adult or larvae) such as, but not limited to, growth stunting, increased mortality, decrease in reproductive capacity, decrease in or cessation of feeding behavior or movement, or decrease in or cessation of metamorphosis stage development. In an embodiment, the method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprises contacting the Leptinotarsa species with a polynucleotide comprising at least one segment that is identical or complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a target gene selected from the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group or an RNA transcribed from the target gene. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a double-stranded RNA. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide (e.g., double-stranded RNA) is chemically synthesized or is produced by expression in a microorganism or by expression in a plant cell. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a double-stranded RNA comprising a strand comprising a sequence selected from the Trigger Sequences Group. In an embodiment, the method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprises contacting the Leptinotarsa species with an effective amount of a double-stranded RNA, one strand of which is complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a gene that encodes a ribosomal protein, wherein RNA interference is induced and mortality occurs. Embodiments of target genes are identified by name in Tables 1, 2 and 4 and include genes having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group, as well as related genes including orthologues from related insect species, for example, related genes from other Leptinotarsa species, Tribolium species, or other related coleopteran genera. Examples of such related genes include the Tribolium castaneum genes listed in Table 1. In some embodiments the polynucleotide comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or complementary to a fragment of a target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments the polynucleotide comprises RNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or is an RNA hairpin encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. In some embodiments the polynucleotide comprises a dsRNA with a strand having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Trigger Sequences Group. In some embodiments, this invention provides a method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprising contacting the Leptinotarsa species with an effective amount of a solution comprising a double-stranded RNA, wherein at least one strand of the double-stranded RNA is complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a gene that encodes a ribosomal protein or an RNA transcribed from the gene, wherein the Leptinotarsa species is Leptinotarsa decemlineata, and wherein RNA interference is induced and Leptinotarsa decemlineata mortality occurs, and wherein the ribosomal protein is a ribosomal L7 protein or a protein encoded by SEQ ID NO:730 or wherein the double-stranded RNA comprises a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO:989, 988, 1104, or 1105; in some embodiments, the solution further comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of an organosilicone surfactant or a cationic lipid.

In some embodiments, the contiguous nucleotides have a sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments the contiguous nucleotides are exactly (100%) identical or complementary to a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide has an overall sequence of about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide comprises at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity or complementarity with the corresponding fragment of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group; in some embodiments, the polynucleotide comprises “neutral” sequence (having no sequence identity or complementarity to the target gene) in addition to a segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with 100% identity with the corresponding fragment of the target gene, and therefore the polynucleotide as a whole is of much lower overall sequence identity with a target gene.

The polynucleotide of use in this method is generally designed to suppress one or more genes (“target genes”). The term “gene” refers to any portion of a nucleic acid that provides for expression of a transcript or encodes a transcript. A “gene” can include, but is not limited to, a promoter region, 5′ untranslated regions, transcript encoding regions that can include intronic regions, 3′ untranslated regions, or combinations of these regions. In some embodiments, the target genes can include coding or non-coding sequence or both. In other embodiments, the target gene has a sequence identical to or complementary to a messenger RNA, e.g., in some embodiments the target gene is a cDNA. In specific embodiments, the polynucleotide is designed to suppress one or more target genes selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In various embodiments, the polynucleotide is designed to suppress one or more target genes selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group, and can be designed to suppress multiple target genes from this group, or to target different regions of one or more of these target genes. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide comprises multiple segments of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA or target gene having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. In such cases, each segment can be identical or different in size or in sequence, and can be sense or anti-sense relative to the target gene. For example, in one embodiment the polynucleotide comprises multiple segments in tandem or repetitive arrangements, wherein each segment comprises 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group; the segments can be from different regions of the target gene, e.g., the segments can correspond to different exon regions of the target gene, and “spacer” nucleotides which do not correspond to a target gene can optionally be used in between or adjacent to the segments.

The total length of the polynucleotide of use in this method can be greater than 18 contiguous nucleotides, and can include nucleotides in addition to the contiguous nucleotides having the sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In other words, the total length of the polynucleotide can be greater than the length of the section or segment of the polynucleotide designed to suppress one or more target genes selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, the polynucleotide can have nucleotides flanking the “active” segment of at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that suppresses the target gene, or include “spacer” nucleotides between active segments, or can have additional nucleotides at the 5′ end, or at the 3′ end, or at both the 5′ and 3′ ends. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide can include additional nucleotides that are not specifically related (having a sequence not complementary or identical to) to the target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group, e.g., nucleotides that provide stabilizing secondary structure or for convenience in cloning or manufacturing. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide can include additional nucleotides located immediately adjacent to one or more segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with or complementarity to a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. In an embodiment, the polynucleotide comprises one such segment, with an additional 5′ G or an additional 3′ C or both, adjacent to the segment. In another embodiment, the polynucleotide is a double-stranded RNA comprising additional nucleotides to form an overhang, for example, a dsRNA comprising 2 deoxyribonucleotides to form a 3′ overhang. Thus in various embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of the entire polynucleotide is not 100% identical or complementary to a sequence of contiguous nucleotides in the target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in the Target Gene Sequences Group. For example, in some embodiments the polynucleotide comprises at least two segments each of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of the target gene, wherein (1) the at least two segments are separated by one or more spacer nucleotides, or (2) the at least two segments are arranged in an order different from that in which the corresponding fragments occur in the DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or the DNA complement thereof.

The polynucleotide of use in this method is provided by suitable means known to one in the art. Embodiments include those wherein the polynucleotide is chemically synthesized (e.g., by in vitro transcription, such as transcription using a T7 polymerase or other polymerase), produced by expression in a microorganism or in cell culture (such as plant or insect cells grown in culture), produced by expression in a plant cell, or produced by microbial fermentation.

In some embodiments the polynucleotide of use in this method is provided as an isolated DNA or RNA fragment. In some embodiments the polynucleotide of use in this method is not part of an expression construct and is lacking additional elements such as a promoter or terminator sequences). Such polynucleotides can be relatively short, such as single- or double-stranded polynucleotides of between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 nucleotides (for single-stranded polynucleotides) or between about 18 to about 300 or between about 50 to about 500 base-pairs (for double-stranded polynucleotides). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide is a dsRNA of between about 100 to about 500 base-pairs, such as a dsRNA of the length of any of the dsRNA triggers disclosed in Tables 3, 5, 8, 9, and 10. Embodiments include those in which the polynucleotide is a dsRNA comprising a segment having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or wherein the polynucleotide is an RNA hairpin encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. Alternatively the polynucleotide can be provided in more complex constructs, e.g., as part of a recombinant expression construct, or included in a recombinant vector, for example in a recombinant plant virus vector or in a recombinant baculovirus vector. In some embodiments such recombinant expression constructs or vectors are designed to include additional elements, such as expression cassettes for expressing a gene of interest (e.g., an insecticidal protein).

In various embodiments of the method, the contacting comprises application to a surface of the Leptinotarsa species of a suitable composition comprising the polynucleotide of use in this method; such a composition can be provided, e.g., as a solid, liquid (including homogeneous mixtures such as solutions and non-homogeneous mixtures such as suspensions, colloids, micelles, and emulsions), powder, suspension, emulsion, spray, encapsulated or micro-encapsulation formulation, in or on microbeads or other carrier particulates, in a film or coating, or on or within a matrix, or as a seed treatment. The contacting can be in the form of a seed treatment, or in the form of treatment of “seed potato” tubers or pieces of tuber (e.g., by soaking, coating, or dusting the seed potato). Suitable binders, inert carriers, surfactants, and the like can optionally be included in the composition, as is known to one skilled in formulation of pesticides and seed treatments. In some embodiments, the contacting comprises providing the polynucleotide in a composition that further comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of a carrier agent, a surfactant, a cationic lipid (such as that disclosed in Example 18 of U.S. patent application publication 2011/0296556, incorporated by reference herein), an organosilicone, an organosilicone surfactant, a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide pesticide, a safener, and an insect growth regulator. In embodiments, the contacting comprises providing the polynucleotide in a composition that further comprises at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein. In one embodiment the contacting comprises providing the polynucleotide in a composition that can be ingested or otherwise absorbed internally by the Leptinotarsa species.

It is anticipated that the combination of certain polynucleotides of use in this method (e.g., the polynucleotide triggers described in the working Examples) with one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agents will result in a synergetic improvement in prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations, when compared to the effect obtained with the polynucleotide alone or the non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent alone. In an embodiment, a composition containing one or more polynucleotides and one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein, is found to effect synergistically improved prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations.

Methods of Selecting Target Genes

Another aspect of this invention provides a method of non-random selection of target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing. In an embodiment, the method provides a subset of target genes that are present in single- or low-copy-number (non-repetitive and non-redundant) in a particular genome. Such target genes can be genes from a plant genome or genes from an animal genome. In some embodiments, the target genes are genes of an invertebrate pest, e.g. an invertebrate pest of a plant or an invertebrate pest of a vertebrate. In some embodiments, the target genes are genes of an insect pest of a plant or a nematode pest of a plant. In some embodiments, the target genes are genes of a Leptinotarsa species. Further aspects include manufacturing a polynucleotide (e.g., an ssRNA or dsRNA trigger, such as the dsRNA triggers described in the working Examples, or a recombinant DNA construct useful for making transgenic plants) based on target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing selected by any of the methods described herein.

In an embodiment, the method comprises the step of identifying single- or low-copy-number genes in the chosen genome, or alternatively to identify single- or low-copy-number genes in an orthologous database from related organisms to predict which genes will be single/low copy in the chosen organism. Low-copy genes, and in particular single-copy genes, are selected as targets for RNAi-mediated silencing. In one embodiment, the identification of single- or low-copy-number genes is carried out by sequence comparison between a set of genes from a first species and a set of genes from a second species, wherein the set of genes from a second species have been identified as single- or low-copy-number in the second species. In one embodiment, the identification of single- or low-copy-number genes is carried out by applying an algorithm performed by a computer to a set of genes from a first species to identify a subset of single- or low-copy-number genes in the set of genes from the first species, then comparing a set of genes from a second species to the subset of single- or low-copy-number genes from the first species to identify corresponding single- or low-copy-number genes from the second species. The single- or low-copy-number genes from the second species are useful as target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing; the sequences of these target genes are used for designing polynucleotides (e.g., an ssRNA or dsRNA trigger, such as the dsRNA triggers described in the working Examples, or recombinant DNA constructs for making transgenic plants) and methods of use thereof for preventing or controlling infestations by the second species.

Embodiments of the method include a further step of estimating nucleotide diversity for low/single-copy genes in a population of the chosen organism and selecting those low-/single-copy genes that further have the lowest nucleotide diversity. Low-/single-copy genes that further have low nucleotide diversity are selected as targets for RNAi-mediated silencing.

Embodiments of the method include a further step of comparing the ratio of synonymous (K_(s)) to nonsynonymous (K_(a)) nucleotide changes as an estimate of functional or evolutionary constraint. In an embodiment, the method comprises the step of selecting genes where K_(s) is at least equal to or greater than K_(a). In an embodiment, the method comprises the step of selecting genes where K_(a)>>K_(a).

A related aspect of this invention is a set of target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing identified from a genome by any of the gene selection methods described herein. An embodiment relates to a set of target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing selected from a genome by identifying single- or low-copy-number target genes from a larger set of genes from that genome. One embodiment relates to a set of target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing selected from an invertebrate genome by identifying single- or low-copy-number target genes from a larger set of genes from that invertebrate genome. A specific embodiment relates to a set of target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing in a Leptinotarsa species selected from a Leptinotarsa genome by identifying single- or low-copy-number target genes from a larger set of genes from that Leptinotarsa genome. A specific embodiment relates to a set of target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing in a Leptinotarsa species selected from a Leptinotarsa genome by identifying single- or low-copy-number target genes from a larger set of genes from that Leptinotarsa genome, wherein the set of sequences is the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-725, or the DNA complement thereof.

Related aspects of this invention are methods and compositions utilising the set of target genes consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-725, or the DNA complement thereof. These include: (i) a method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprising contacting the Leptinotarsa species with a polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a segment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:1-725, or the DNA complement thereof; (ii) a method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprising providing in the diet of a Leptinotarsa species an agent comprising a polynucleotide having at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a segment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:1-725, or the DNA complement thereof, wherein the agent functions upon ingestion by the Leptinotarsa species to inhibit a biological function within the Leptinotarsa species thereby controlling infestation by the Leptinotarsa species; (iii) a method of causing mortality or stunting in Leptinotarsa species larvae comprising providing in the diet of Leptinotarsa species larvae at least one recombinant RNA comprising at least one silencing element essentially identical or essentially complementary to a target gene of the Leptinotarsa species larvae, wherein the target gene sequence is selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-725; (iv) a method of providing a plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation comprising topically applying to the plant a composition comprising at least one polynucleotide having at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a segment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:1-725, or the DNA complement thereof; (v) a composition for controlling a Leptinotarsa species comprising at least one recombinant polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or complementary to a segment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-725; (vi) a method of providing a plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation comprising expressing in the plant at least one polynucleotide comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or complementary to a segment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-725; (vii) a recombinant DNA construct comprising a heterologous promoter operably linked to DNA comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a segment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:1-725, or the DNA complement thereof; and (viii) a transgenic solanaceous plant cell having in its genome a recombinant DNA encoding RNA that suppresses expression of a target gene in a Leptinotarsa species that contacts or ingests the RNA, wherein the RNA comprises at least one silencing element complementary to the target gene, and wherein the target gene sequence is a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:1-725, or the complement thereof.

Another embodiment relates to a set of target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing selected from a genome by estimating nucleotide diversity for a given set of genes in a population of individuals of the species having that genome, and selecting those genes that have the lowest nucleotide diversity. One embodiment relates to a set of target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing selected from an invertebrate genome by estimating nucleotide diversity for a given set of genes in a population of individuals of the invertebrate having that genome, and selecting those genes that have the lowest nucleotide diversity. Another embodiment relates to a set of target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing selected from an invertebrate genome by estimating nucleotide diversity for low-/single-copy genes in a population of individuals of the invertebrate having that genome, and selecting those low-/single-copy genes that further have the lowest nucleotide diversity.

Another embodiment relates to a set of target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing selected from a genome by comparing the ratio of synonymous (K_(s)) to nonsynonymous (K_(a)) nucleotide changes in genes of that genome and selecting genes where K_(s) is at least equal to or greater than K_(a). In an embodiment, the set of target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing are genes where K_(s) is at least equal to or greater than K_(a). In an embodiment, the set of target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing are genes where K_(s)>>K_(a). An embodiment relates to a set of target genes for RNAi-mediated silencing selected from an invertebrate genome and where K_(s)>>K_(a) for the selected genes.

In an embodiment, the single- or low-copy-number target genes are a subset of target genes of a first invertebrate species selected from a larger set of genes from the first invertebrate species, wherein the selection is by a sequence comparison performed by a computer between the larger set of genes from the first invertebrate species and a set of genes from a second invertebrate species that have been identified as single- or low-copy-number in the second invertebrate species. In a specific embodiment, the single- or low-copy-number target genes are a subset of Leptinotarsa decemlineata target genes selected from a larger set of Leptinotarsa decemlineata target genes, wherein the selection is by a sequence comparison performed by a computer between the larger set of Leptinotarsa decemlineata target genes and a set of genes from a second invertebrate species that have been identified as single- or low-copy-number in the second invertebrate species. The Leptinotarsa decemlineata single- or low-copy-number target genes selected by the method are particularly useful in making polynucleotides of this invention, including recombinant DNA constructs useful, e.g., for providing plants having increased resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, and isolated recombinant RNA molecules useful, e.g., in making compositions for topical treatment of a plant or Leptinotarsa species to provide prevention or control of a Leptinotarsa species infestations. In an embodiment, Leptinotarsa decemlineata single- or low-copy-number target genes selected by the method are genes having a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-725.

A further aspect of this invention are polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies that bind a protein encoded by a sequence or a fragment of a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Target Gene Sequences Group and polyclonal or monoclonal antibodies that bind a protein encoded by a sequence or a fragment of a sequence selected from the Trigger Sequences Group, or the complement thereof; such antibodies are made by routine methods as known to one of ordinary skill in the art, for example using routine protocols as described in “Antibody Methods and Protocols” (Proetzel and Ebersbach, editors, 2012, Humana Press, New York) or “Making and Using Antibodies” (Howard and Kaser, editors, 2006, CRC Press, Boca Raton).

Selection of Effective Polynucleotides by “Tiling”

Polynucleotides of use in the embodiments described herein need not be of the full length of a target gene, and in many embodiments are much shorter than the target gene. An example of a technique that is useful for selecting effective polynucleotides is “tiling”, or evaluation of polynucleotides corresponding to adjacent or partially overlapping segments of a target gene.

In some embodiments, effective polynucleotide triggers can be identified by “tiling” gene targets in selected length fragments, e.g., fragments of 200-300 nucleotides in length, with partially overlapping regions, e.g., of about 25 nucleotides, along the length of the target gene. In some embodiments, polynucleotide trigger sequences are designed to correspond to (have a nucleotide identity or complementarity with) regions that are unique to the target gene. In some embodiments, the selected region of the target gene can include coding sequence or non-coding sequence (e.g., promoter regions, 3′ untranslated regions, introns and the like) or a combination of both.

Where it is of interest to design a target effective in suppressing multiple target genes, the multiple target gene sequences are aligned and polynucleotide triggers are designed to correspond to regions with high sequence homology in common among the multiple targets. Conversely, where it is of interest to design a target effective in selectively suppressing one among multiple target sequences, the multiple target gene sequences are aligned and polynucleotide triggers designed to correspond to regions with no or low sequence homology in common among the multiple targets.

Thermodynamic Considerations in Selection of Effective Polynucleotides

In some embodiments, polynucleotide triggers can be designed or their sequence optimised using thermodynamic considerations. For example, polynucleotide triggers can be selected based on the thermodynamics controlling hybridization between one nucleic acid strand (e.g., a polynucleotide trigger or an individual siRNA) and another (e.g., a target gene transcript).

Methods and algorithms to predict nucleotide sequences that are likely to be effective at RNAi-mediated silencing of a target gene are known in the art. Non-limiting examples of such methods and algorithms include “i-score”, described by Ichihara et al. (2007) Nucleic Acids Res., 35(18): 123e; “Oligowalk”, publicly available at rna.urmc.rochester.edu/servers/oligowalk and described by Lu et al. (2008) Nucleic Acids Res., 36:W104-108; and “Reynolds score”, described by Khovorova et al. (2004) Nature Biotechnol., 22:326-330.

Permitted Mismatches

By “essentially identical” or “essentially complementary” is meant that a polynucleotide (or at least one strand of a double-stranded polynucleotide) has sufficient identity or complementarity to the target gene or to the RNA transcribed from a target gene (e.g., the transcript) to suppress expression of a target gene (e.g., to effect a reduction in levels or activity of the target gene transcript and/or encoded protein). Polynucleotides as described herein need not have 100 percent identity or complementarity to a target gene or to the RNA transcribed from a target gene to suppress expression of the target gene (e.g., to effect a reduction in levels or activity of the target gene transcript or encoded protein, or to provide control of a Leptinotarsa species). In some embodiments, the polynucleotide or a portion thereof is designed to be essentially identical to, or essentially complementary to, a sequence of at least 18 or 19 contiguous nucleotides in either the target gene or the RNA transcribed from the target gene. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide or a portion thereof is designed to be 100% identical to, or 100% complementary to, one or more sequences of 21 contiguous nucleotides in either the target gene or the RNA transcribed from the target gene. In certain embodiments, an “essentially identical” polynucleotide has 100 percent sequence identity or at least about 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99 percent sequence identity when compared to the sequence of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides in either the endogenous target gene or to an RNA transcribed from the target gene. In certain embodiments, an “essentially complementary” polynucleotide has 100 percent sequence complementarity or at least about 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, or 99 percent sequence complementarity when compared to the sequence of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides in either the target gene or RNA transcribed from the target gene.

Polynucleotides containing mismatches to the target gene or transcript can be used in certain embodiments of the compositions and methods described herein. In some embodiments, the polynucleotide includes at least 18 or at least 19 or at least 21 contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or essentially complementary to a segment of equivalent length in the target gene or target gene's transcript. In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide of 21 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or essentially complementary to a segment of equivalent length in the target gene or target gene's transcript can have 1 or 2 mismatches to the target gene or transcript (i.e., 1 or 2 mismatches between the polynucleotide's 21 contiguous nucleotides and the segment of equivalent length in the target gene or target gene's transcript). In certain embodiments, a polynucleotide of about 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 or more nucleotides that contains a contiguous 21 nucleotide span of identity or complementarity to a segment of equivalent length in the target gene or target gene's transcript can have 1 or 2 or more mismatches to the target gene or transcript.

In designing polynucleotides with mismatches to an endogenous target gene or to an RNA transcribed from the target gene, mismatches of certain types and at certain positions that are more likely to be tolerated can be used. In certain embodiments, mismatches formed between adenine and cytosine or guanosine and uracil residues are used as described by Du et al. (2005) Nucleic Acids Res., 33:1671-1677. In some embodiments, mismatches in 19 base-pair overlap regions are located at the low tolerance positions 5, 7, 8 or 11 (from the 5′ end of a 19-nucleotide target), at medium tolerance positions 3, 4, and 12-17 (from the 5′ end of a 19-nucleotide target), and/or at the high tolerance positions at either end of the region of complementarity, i.e., positions 1, 2, 18, and 19 (from the 5′ end of a 19-nucleotide target) as described by Du et al. (2005) Nucleic Acids Res., 33:1671-1677. Tolerated mismatches can be empirically determined in routine assays, e.g., in in vitro dietary assays on Leptinotarsa species larvae.

Embedding Silencing Elements in Neutral Sequence

In some embodiments, a silencing element comprising a sequence corresponding to the target gene and which is responsible for an observed suppression of the target gene is embedded in “neutral” sequence, i.e., inserted into additional nucleotides that have no sequence identity or complementarity to the target gene. Neutral sequence can be desirable, e.g., to increase the overall length of a polynucleotide. For example, it can be desirable for a polynucleotide to be of a particular size for reasons of stability, cost-effectiveness in manufacturing, or biological activity. In some embodiments, neutral sequence is also useful in forming the loop in a hairpin trigger or as a spacer between trigger regions.

It has been reported that in another coleopteran species, Diabrotica virgifera, dsRNAs greater than or equal to approximately 60 base-pairs (bp) are required for biological activity in artificial diet bioassays; see Bolognesi et al. (2012) PLoS ONE 7(10): e47534. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0047534. Thus, in one embodiment, a 21-base-pair dsRNA silencing element corresponding to a target gene in Table 1 and found to provide control of a Leptinotarsa infestation is embedded in neutral sequence of an additional 39 base pairs, thus forming a polynucleotide of about 60 base pairs. In some embodiments, the dsRNA trigger includes neutral sequence of between about 60 to about 500, or between 100 to about 450 base-pairs, in which is embedded at least one segment of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity or 100% complementarity with a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene having a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1-725 and SEQ ID NOs:726-830 and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094. In another embodiment, a single 21-base-pair silencing element with a sequence of 100% identity or 100% complementarity with a fragment of equivalent length of a target gene is found to be efficacious when embedded in larger sections of neutral sequence, e.g., where the total polynucleotide length is from about 60 to about 300 base pairs. In another embodiment, at least one segment of at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, is embedded in larger sections of neutral sequence to provide an efficacious polynucleotide. In another embodiment, segments from multiple sequences (or multiple copies of a segment from one or more sequences) selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, are embedded in larger sections of neutral sequence to provide an efficacious polynucleotide. In embodiments where the polynucleotide includes regions of neutral sequence, the polynucleotide will have relatively low overall sequence identity in comparison to the target gene; for example, a dsRNA with an overall length of 210 base-pairs, containing a single 21-base-pair trigger (of 100% identity or complementarity to a 21-nucleotide fragment of a target gene) embedded in an additional 189 base-pairs of neutral sequence, will have an overall sequence identity with the target gene of about 10%.

Insecticidal Double-Stranded RNA Molecules

Another aspect of this invention provides an insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule that causes mortality or stunting of growth in a Leptinotarsa species when ingested or contacted by the Leptinotarsa species, wherein the insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule comprises at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that is essentially identical or essentially complementary to a segment of equivalent length of a target gene or DNA (cDNA) having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group. In some embodiments, the insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule is between about 50 to about 500 base-pairs in length. In some embodiments, the insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule comprises at least one segment of at least 30 contiguous nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule comprises multiple segments of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or essentially complementary to a segment of equivalent length of a target gene or DNA (cDNA) having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group, wherein the segments are from different regions of the target gene (e.g., the segments can correspond to different exon regions of the target gene, and “spacer” nucleotides which do not correspond to a target gene can optionally be used in between or adjacent to the segments), or are from different target genes. In some embodiments, the insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule comprises multiple segments of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides that are essentially identical or essentially complementary to a segment of equivalent length of a target gene or DNA (cDNA) having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group, wherein the segments are from different regions of the target gene and are arranged in the insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule in an order different from the order in which the segments naturally occur in the target gene. In some embodiments, the insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule comprises multiple segments each of 21 contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of 100% identity or 100% complementary to a segment of equivalent length of a target gene or DNA (cDNA) having a sequence selected from The Target Gene Sequences Group, wherein the segments are from different regions of the target gene and are arranged in the insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule in an order different from the order in which the segments naturally occur in the target gene. In some embodiments, the insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule comprises one strand comprising a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:831-1085, 1095-1104, and 1110-1114, or the complement thereof, or comprises an RNA hairpin encoded by a sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs:1105-1109. In some embodiments the insecticidal double-stranded RNA comprises a dsRNA with a strand having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Trigger Sequences Group. The insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule can be topically applied to a plant, especially a solanaceous plant such as tomato, eggplant, or potato, to control or prevent infestation by a Leptinotarsa species. The insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule can be provided in a form suitable for ingestion or direct contact by a Leptinotarsa species, e.g., in the form of a spray or powder or bait. Other methods and suitable compositions for providing the insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule are similar to those described in the preceding paragraphs for other aspects of this invention.

Several embodiments relate to a tank mixture comprising one or more insecticidal polynucleotides and water or other solvent, optionally including a cationic lipid or an organosilicone surfactant or both. Embodiments include tank mixture formulations of the polynucleotide and optionally at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein. Embodiments of such compositions include those where one or more insecticidal polynucleotides are provided in a living or dead microorganism such as a bacterium or fungal or yeast cell, or provided as a microbial fermentation product, or provided in a living or dead plant cell, or provided as a synthetic recombinant polynucleotide. In an embodiment the composition includes a non-pathogenic strain of a microorganism that contains a polynucleotide as described herein; ingestion or intake of the microorganism results in stunting or mortality of the Leptinotarsa species; non-limiting examples of suitable microorganisms include E. coli, B. thuringiensis, Pseudomonas sp., Photorhabdus sp., Xenorhabdus sp., Serratia entomophila and related Serratia sp., B. sphaericus, B. cereus, B. laterosporus, B. popilliae, Clostridium bifermentans and other Clostridium species, or other spore-forming gram-positive bacteria. In an embodiment, the composition includes a plant virus vector comprising a polynucleotide as described herein; feeding by a Leptinotarsa species on a plant treated with the plant virus vector results in stunting or mortality of the Leptinotarsa species. In an embodiment, the composition includes a baculovirus vector including a polynucleotide as described herein; ingestion or intake of the vector results in stunting or mortality of the Leptinotarsa species. In an embodiment, a polynucleotide as described herein is encapsulated in a synthetic matrix such as a polymer or attached to particulates and topically applied to the surface of a plant; feeding by a Leptinotarsa species on the topically treated plant results in stunting or mortality of the Leptinotarsa species. In an embodiment, a polynucleotide as described herein is provided in the form of a plant cell (e.g., a transgenic solanaceous plant cell of this invention) expressing the polynucleotide; ingestion of the plant cell or contents of the plant cell by a Leptinotarsa species results in stunting or mortality of the Leptinotarsa species.

In some embodiments, one or more polynucleotides as described herein are provided with appropriate stickers and wetters required for efficient foliar coverage as well as UV protectants to protect polynucleotides such as dsRNAs from UV damage. Such additives are commonly used in the bioinsecticide industry and are known to those skilled in the art. Compositions for soil application can include granular formulations that serve as bait for Leptinotarsa species larvae. In some embodiments, one or more polynucleotides as described herein are further provided with a carrier agent, a surfactant, a cationic lipid (such as that disclosed in Example 18 of U.S. patent application publication 2011/0296556, incorporated by reference herein), an organosilicone, an organosilicone surfactant, a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide pesticide, a safener, and an insect growth regulator. In some embodiments, the composition further includes at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein.

Such compositions are applied in any convenient manner, e.g., by spraying or dusting the Leptinotarsa species directly, or spraying or dusting a plant or environment wherein prevention or control of infestation by that Leptinotarsa species is desired, or by applying a coating to a surface of a plant, or by applying a coating to a seed (or seed potato) in preparation for the seed's planting, or by applying a soil drench around roots of a plant for which prevention or control of infestation by that Leptinotarsa species is desired.

An effective amount of a polynucleotide as described herein is an amount sufficient to provide control of the Leptinotarsa species, or to prevent infestation by the Leptinotarsa species; determination of effective amounts of a polynucleotide are made using routine assays such as those described in Examples 5 and 6. While there is no upper limit on the concentrations and dosages of an insecticidal polynucleotide that can be useful in the methods and compositions provided herein, lower effective concentrations and dosages will generally be sought for efficiency and economy. Non-limiting embodiments of effective amounts of a polynucleotide include a range from about 10 nanograms per milliliter to about 100 micrograms per milliliter of a polynucleotide in a liquid form sprayed on a plant, or from about 10 milligrams per acre to about 100 grams per acre of polynucleotide applied to a field of plants, or from about 0.001 to about 0.1 microgram per milliliter of polynucleotide in an artificial diet for feeding the Leptinotarsa species. Where polynucleotides as described herein are topically applied to a plant, the concentrations can be adjusted in consideration of the volume of spray or treatment applied to plant leaves or other plant part surfaces, such as flower petals, stems, tubers, fruit, anthers, pollen, leaves, roots, or seeds. In one embodiment, a useful treatment for herbaceous plants using 25-mer polynucleotides as described herein is about 1 nanomole (nmol) of polynucleotides per plant, for example, from about 0.05 to 1 nmol polynucleotides per plant. Other embodiments for herbaceous plants include useful ranges of about 0.05 to about 100 nmol, or about 0.1 to about 20 nmol, or about 1 nmol to about 10 nmol of polynucleotides per plant. In certain embodiments, about 40 to about 50 nmol of a ssDNA polynucleotide are applied. In certain embodiments, about 0.5 nmol to about 2 nmol of a dsRNA is applied. In certain embodiments, a composition containing about 0.5 to about 2.0 milligrams per milliliter, or about 0.14 milligrams per milliliter of a dsRNA or an ssDNA (21-mer) is applied. In certain embodiments, a composition of about 0.5 to about 1.5 milligrams per milliliter of a dsRNA polynucleotide of this invention of about 50 to about 200 or more nucleotides is applied. In certain embodiments, about 1 nmol to about 5 nmol of a dsRNA of this invention is applied to a plant. In certain embodiments, the polynucleotide composition as topically applied to the plant contains at least one polynucleotide of this invention at a concentration of about 0.01 to about 10 milligrams per milliliter, or about 0.05 to about 2 milligrams per milliliter, or about 0.1 to about 2 milligrams per milliliter. Very large plants, trees, or vines can require correspondingly larger amounts of polynucleotides. When using long dsRNA molecules of this invention that can be processed into multiple oligonucleotides (e.g., multiple triggers encoded by a single recombinant DNA molecule of this invention), lower concentrations can be used. Non-limiting examples of effective polynucleotide treatment regimes include a treatment of between about 0.1 to about 1 nmol of polynucleotide molecule per plant, or between about 1 nmol to about 10 nmol of polynucleotide molecule per plant, or between about 10 nmol to about 100 nmol of polynucleotide molecule per plant.

In some embodiments, one or more polynucleotides is provided with a “transfer agent”, which is an agent that enables a topically applied polynucleotide to enter the cells of an organism. Such transfer agents can be incorporated as part of a composition comprising a polynucleotide as described herein, or can be applied prior to, contemporaneously with, or following application of the polynucleotide. In some embodiments, a transfer agent is an agent that improves the uptake of a polynucleotide of this invention by a Leptinotarsa species. In some embodiments, a transfer agent is an agent that conditions the surface of plant tissue, e.g., seeds, leaves, stems, roots, flowers, or fruits, to permeation by a polynucleotide into plant cells. In some embodiments, the transfer agent enables a pathway for a polynucleotide through cuticle wax barriers, stomata, and/or cell wall or membrane barriers into plant cells.

Suitable transfer agents include agents that increase permeability of the exterior of the organism or that increase permeability of cells of the organism to polynucleotides. Suitable transfer agents include a chemical agent, or a physical agent, or combinations thereof. Chemical agents for conditioning or transfer include (a) surfactants, (b) an organic solvent or an aqueous solution or aqueous mixtures of organic solvents, (c) oxidizing agents, (d) acids, (e) bases, (f) oils, (g) enzymes, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, application of a polynucleotide and a transfer agent optionally includes an incubation step, a neutralization step (e.g., to neutralize an acid, base, or oxidizing agent, or to inactivate an enzyme), a rinsing step, or combinations thereof. Suitable transfer agents can be in the form of an emulsion, a reverse emulsion, a liposome, or other micellar-like composition, or can cause the polynucleotide to take the form of an emulsion, a reverse emulsion, a liposome, or other micellar-like composition. Embodiments of transfer agents include counter-ions or other molecules that are known to associate with nucleic acid molecules, e.g., inorganic ammonium ions, alkyl ammonium ions, lithium ions, polyamines such as spermine, spermidine, or putrescine, and other cations. Embodiments of transfer agents include organic solvents such as DMSO, DMF, pyridine, N-pyrrolidine, hexamethylphosphoramide, acetonitrile, dioxane, polypropylene glycol, or other solvents miscible with water or that dissolve phosphonucleotides in non-aqueous systems (such as is used in synthetic reactions). Embodiments of transfer agents include naturally derived or synthetic oils with or without surfactants or emulsifiers, e.g., plant-sourced oils, crop oils (such as those listed in the 9^(th) Compendium of Herbicide Adjuvants, publicly available on-line at herbicide.adjuvants.com), paraffinic oils, polyol fatty acid esters, or oils with short-chain molecules modified with amides or polyamines such as polyethyleneimine or N-pyrrolidine.

Embodiments of transfer agents include organosilicone preparations. For example, a suitable transfer agent is an organosilicone preparation that is commercially available as SILWET L-77® brand surfactant having CAS Number 27306-78-1 and EPA Number: CAL.REG.NO. 5905-50073-AA, and currently available from Momentive Performance Materials, Albany, N.Y. One embodiment includes a composition that comprises a polynucleotide and a transfer agent including an organosilicone preparation such as Silwet L-77 in the range of about 0.015 to about 2 percent by weight (wt percent) (e.g., about 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.055, 0.06, 0.065, 0.07, 0.075, 0.08, 0.085, 0.09, 0.095, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5 wt percent). One embodiment includes a composition that comprises a polynucleotide of this invention and a transfer agent including SILWET L-77® brand surfactant in the range of about 0.3 to about 1 percent by weight (wt percent) or about 0.5 to about 1%, by weight (wt percent).

Organosilicone compounds useful as transfer agents for use in this invention include, but are not limited to, compounds that include: (a) a trisiloxane head group that is covalently linked to, (b) an alkyl linker including, but not limited to, an n-propyl linker, that is covalently linked to, (c) a polyglycol chain, that is covalently linked to, (d) a terminal group. Trisiloxane head groups of such organosilicone compounds include, but are not limited to, heptamethyltrisiloxane. Alkyl linkers can include, but are not limited to, an n-propyl linker. Polyglycol chains include, but are not limited to, polyethylene glycol or polypropylene glycol. Polyglycol chains can comprise a mixture that provides an average chain length “n” of about “7.5”. In certain embodiments, the average chain length “n” can vary from about 5 to about 14. Terminal groups can include, but are not limited to, alkyl groups such as a methyl group. Organosilicone compounds useful as transfer agents include, but are not limited to, trisiloxane ethoxylate surfactants or polyalkylene oxide modified heptamethyl trisiloxane. An example of a transfer agent for use in this invention is Compound I:

(Compound I: polyalkyleneoxide heptamethyltrisiloxane, average n=7.5).

Organosilicone compounds useful as transfer agents are used, e.g., as freshly made concentrations in the range of about 0.015 to about 2 percent by weight (wt percent) (e.g., about 0.01, 0.015, 0.02, 0.025, 0.03, 0.035, 0.04, 0.045, 0.05, 0.055, 0.06, 0.065, 0.07, 0.075, 0.08, 0.085, 0.09, 0.095, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.5 wt percent).

Embodiments of transfer agents include one or more salts such as ammonium chloride, tetrabutylphosphonium bromide, and ammonium sulfate, provided in or used with a composition including a polynucleotide. In some embodiments, ammonium chloride, tetrabutylphosphonium bromide, and/or ammonium sulfate are used at a concentration of about 0.5% to about 5% (w/v), or about 1% to about 3% (w/v), or about 2% (w/v). In certain embodiments, the composition including a polynucleotide includes an ammonium salt at a concentration greater or equal to 300 millimolar. In certain embodiments, the composition including a polynucleotide includes an organosilicone transfer agent in a concentration of about 0.015 to about 2 percent by weight (wt percent) as well as ammonium sulfate at concentrations from about 80 to about 1200 mM or about 150 mM to about 600 mM.

Embodiments of transfer agents include a phosphate salt. Phosphate salts useful in a composition including a polynucleotide include, but are not limited to, calcium, magnesium, potassium, or sodium phosphate salts. In certain embodiments, a composition including a polynucleotide includes a phosphate salt at a concentration of at least about 5 millimolar, at least about 10 millimolar, or at least about 20 millimolar. In certain embodiments, a composition including a polynucleotide a phosphate salt in a range of about 1 mM to about 25 mM or in a range of about 5 mM to about 25 mM. In certain embodiments, the composition including a polynucleotide sodium phosphate at a concentration of at least about 5 millimolar, at least about 10 millimolar, or at least about 20 millimolar. In certain embodiments, a composition including a polynucleotide includes sodium phosphate at a concentration of about 5 millimolar, about 10 millimolar, or about 20 millimolar. In certain embodiments, a composition including a polynucleotide includes a sodium phosphate salt in a range of about 1 mM to about 25 mM or in a range of about 5 mM to about 25 mM. In certain embodiments, a composition including a polynucleotide includes a sodium phosphate salt in a range of about 10 mM to about 160 mM or in a range of about 20 mM to about 40 mM. In certain embodiments, a composition including a polynucleotide includes a sodium phosphate buffer at a pH of about 6.8.

Embodiments of transfer agents include surfactants and/or effective molecules contained therein. Surfactants and/or effective molecules contained therein include, but are not limited to, sodium or lithium salts of fatty acids (such as tallow or tallowamines or phospholipids) and organosilicone surfactants. In certain embodiments, a composition including a polynucleotide is formulated with counter-ions or other molecules that are known to associate with nucleic acid molecules. Non-limiting examples include, tetraalkyl ammonium ions, trialkyl ammonium ions, sulfonium ions, lithium ions, and polyamines such as spermine, spermidine, or putrescine. In certain embodiments, a composition including a polynucleotide is formulated with a non-polynucleotide herbicide e.g., glyphosate, auxin-like benzoic acid herbicides including dicamba, chloramben, and TBA, glufosinate, auxin-like herbicides including phenoxy carboxylic acid herbicide, pyridine carboxylic acid herbicide, quinoline carboxylic acid herbicide, pyrimidine carboxylic acid herbicide, and benazolin-ethyl herbicide, sulfonylureas, imidazolinones, bromoxynil, delapon, cyclohezanedione, protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitors, and 4-hydroxyphenyl-pyruvate-dioxygenase inhibiting herbicides. In certain embodiments, a composition including a polynucleotide is formulated with a non-polynucleotide pesticide, e.g., a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein. In some embodiments, a composition including a polynucleotide and a non-polynucleotide pesticide provides synergetic improvement in prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations, when compared to the effect obtained with the polynucleotide alone or the non-polynucleotide pesticide alone. In some embodiments, a composition comprising a double-stranded RNA with a strand having a sequence selected from the group consisting of the Trigger Sequences Group is combined with a non-polynucleotide pesticide (e.g., a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein), wherein the combination is found to effect synergistically improved prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations, when compared to the effect obtained with the double-stranded RNA alone or the non-polynucleotide pesticide alone.

Related Techniques

Embodiments of the polynucleotides and nucleic acid molecules as described herein can include additional elements, such as promoters, small RNA recognition sites, aptamers or ribozymes, additional and additional expression cassettes for expressing coding sequences (e.g., to express a transgene such as an insecticidal protein or selectable marker) or non-coding sequences (e.g., to express additional suppression elements). For example, an aspect of this invention provides a recombinant DNA construct comprising a heterologous promoter operably linked to DNA comprising at least one segment of 18 or more contiguous nucleotides with a sequence of about 95% to about 100% identity with a fragment of equivalent length of a DNA having a sequence selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group or the DNA complement thereof. Another aspect of the invention provides a recombinant DNA construct comprising a heterologous promoter operably linked to DNA encoding an RNA hairpin having an anti-sense region having a sequence, or a fragment of a sequence, selected from the group selected from the Trigger Sequences Group. In another embodiment, a recombinant DNA construct comprising a promoter operably linked to DNA encoding: (a) an RNA silencing element for suppressing a target gene selected from the group consisting of the genes identified in Table 1), and (b) an aptamer, is stably integrated into the plant's genome from where RNA transcripts including the RNA aptamer and the RNA silencing element are expressed in cells of the plant; the aptamer serves to guide the RNA silencing element to a desired location in the cell. In another embodiment, inclusion of one or more recognition sites for binding and cleavage by a small RNA (e.g., by a miRNA or an siRNA that is expressed only in a particular cell or tissue) allows for more precise expression patterns in a plant, wherein the expression of the recombinant DNA construct is suppressed where the small RNA is expressed. Such additional elements are described below.

Promoters

Promoters of use in the invention are functional in the cell in which the construct is intended to be transcribed. Generally these promoters are heterologous promoters, as used in recombinant constructs, i.e., they are not in nature found to be operably linked to the other nucleic elements used in the constructs described herein. In various embodiments, the promoter is selected from the group consisting of a constitutive promoter, a spatially specific promoter, a temporally specific promoter, a developmentally specific promoter, and an inducible promoter. In many embodiments the promoter is a promoter functional in a plant, for example, a pol II promoter, a pol III promoter, a pol IV promoter, or a pol V promoter.

Non-constitutive promoters suitable for use with the recombinant DNA constructs of this invention include spatially specific promoters, temporally specific promoters, and inducible promoters. Spatially specific promoters can include organelle-, cell-, tissue-, or organ-specific promoters (e.g., a plastid-specific, a root-specific, a pollen-specific, or a seed-specific promoter for expression in plastids, roots, pollen, or seeds, respectively). In many cases a seed-specific, embryo-specific, aleurone-specific, or endosperm-specific promoter is especially useful. Temporally specific promoters can include promoters that tend to promote expression during certain developmental stages in a plant's growth cycle, or during different times of day or night, or at different seasons in a year. Inducible promoters include promoters induced by chemicals or by environmental conditions such as, but not limited to, biotic or abiotic stress (e.g., water deficit or drought, heat, cold, high or low nutrient or salt levels, high or low light levels, or pest or pathogen infection). MicroRNA promoters are useful, especially those having a temporally specific, spatially specific, or inducible expression pattern; examples of miRNA promoters, as well as methods for identifying miRNA promoters having specific expression patterns, are provided in U.S. Patent Application Publications 2006/0200878, 2007/0199095, and 2007/0300329, which are specifically incorporated herein by reference. An expression-specific promoter can also include promoters that are generally constitutively expressed but at differing degrees or “strengths” of expression, including promoters commonly regarded as “strong promoters” or as “weak promoters”.

Promoters of particular interest include the following examples: an opaline synthase promoter isolated from T-DNA of Agrobacterium; a cauliflower mosaic virus 35S promoter; enhanced promoter elements or chimeric promoter elements such as an enhanced cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV) 35S promoter linked to an enhancer element (an intron from heat shock protein 70 of Zea mays); root specific promoters such as those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,837,848; 6,437,217 and 6,426,446; a maize L3 oleosin promoter disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,433,252; a promoter for a plant nuclear gene encoding a plastid-localized aldolase disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004/0216189; cold-inducible promoters disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,084,089; salt-inducible promoters disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,140,078; light-inducible promoters disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,294,714; pathogen-inducible promoters disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,252,138; and water deficit-inducible promoters disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004/0123347 A1. All of the above-described patents and patent publications disclosing promoters and their use, especially in recombinant DNA constructs functional in plants are incorporated herein by reference.

Plant vascular- or phloem-specific promoters of interest include a rolC or rolA promoter of Agrobacterium rhizogenes, a promoter of a Agrobacterium tumefaciens T-DNA gene 5, the rice sucrose synthase RSs1 gene promoter, a Commelina yellow mottle badnavirus promoter, a coconut foliar decay virus promoter, a rice tungro bacilliform virus promoter, the promoter of a pea glutamine synthase GS3A gene, a invCD111 and invCD141 promoters of a potato invertase genes, a promoter isolated from Arabidopsis shown to have phloem-specific expression in tobacco by Kertbundit et al. (1991) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA., 88:5212-5216, a VAHOX1 promoter region, a pea cell wall invertase gene promoter, an acid invertase gene promoter from carrot, a promoter of a sulfate transporter gene Sultr1; 3, a promoter of a plant sucrose synthase gene, and a promoter of a plant sucrose transporter gene.

Promoters suitable for use with a recombinant DNA construct or polynucleotide of this invention include polymerase II (“pol II”) promoters and polymerase III (“pol III”) promoters. RNA polymerase II transcribes structural or catalytic RNAs that are usually shorter than 400 nucleotides in length, and recognizes a simple run of T residues as a termination signal; it has been used to transcribe siRNA duplexes (see, e.g., Lu et al. (2004) Nucleic Acids Res., 32:e171). Pol II promoters are therefore in certain embodiments where a short RNA transcript is to be produced from a recombinant DNA construct of this invention. In one embodiment, the recombinant DNA construct comprises a pol II promoter to express an RNA transcript flanked by self-cleaving ribozyme sequences (e.g., self-cleaving hammerhead ribozymes), resulting in a processed RNA, such as a single-stranded RNA that binds to the transcript of the Leptinotarsa target gene, with defined 5′ and 3′ ends, free of potentially interfering flanking sequences. An alternative approach uses pol III promoters to generate transcripts with relatively defined 5′ and 3′ ends, i.e., to transcribe an RNA with minimal 5′ and 3′ flanking sequences. In some embodiments, Pol III promoters (e.g., U6 or H1 promoters) are for adding a short AT-rich transcription termination site that results in 2 base-pair overhangs (UU) in the transcribed RNA; this is useful, e.g., for expression of siRNA-type constructs. Use of pol III promoters for driving expression of siRNA constructs has been reported; see van de Wetering et al. (2003) EMBO Rep., 4: 609-615, and Tuschl (2002) Nature Biotechnol., 20: 446-448. Baculovirus promoters such as baculovirus polyhedrin and p10 promoters are known in the art and commercially available; see, e.g., Invitrogen's “Guide to Baculovirus Expression Vector Systems (BEVS) and Insect Cell Culture Techniques”, 2002 (Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.) and F. J. Haines et al. “Baculovirus Expression Vectors”, undated (Oxford Expression Technologies, Oxford, UK).

The promoter element can include nucleic acid sequences that are not naturally occurring promoters or promoter elements or homologues thereof but that can regulate expression of a gene. Examples of such “gene independent” regulatory sequences include naturally occurring or artificially designed RNA sequences that include a ligand-binding region or aptamer (see “Aptamers”, below) and a regulatory region (which can be cis-acting). See, for example, Isaacs et al. (2004) Nat. Biotechnol., 22:841-847, Bayer and Smolke (2005) Nature Biotechnol., 23:337-343, Mandal and Breaker (2004) Nature Rev. Mol. Cell Biol., 5:451-463, Davidson and Ellington (2005) Trends Biotechnol., 23:109-112, Winkler et al. (2002) Nature, 419:952-956, Sudarsan et al. (2003) RNA, 9:644-647, and Mandal and Breaker (2004) Nature Struct. Mol. Biol., 11:29-35. Such “riboregulators” could be selected or designed for specific spatial or temporal specificity, for example, to regulate translation of DNA that encodes a silencing element for suppressing a Leptinotarsa target gene only in the presence (or absence) of a given concentration of the appropriate ligand. One example is a riboregulator that is responsive to an endogenous ligand (e.g., jasmonic acid or salicylic acid) produced by the plant when under stress (e.g., abiotic stress such as water, temperature, or nutrient stress, or biotic stress such as attach by pests or pathogens); under stress, the level of endogenous ligand increases to a level sufficient for the riboregulator to begin transcription of the DNA that encodes a silencing element for suppressing a Leptinotarsa target gene.

Recombinase Sites

In some embodiments, the recombinant DNA construct or polynucleotide of this invention comprises DNA encoding one or more site-specific recombinase recognition sites. In one embodiment, the recombinant DNA construct comprises at least a pair of loxP sites, wherein site-specific recombination of DNA between the loxP sites is mediated by a Cre recombinase. The position and relative orientation of the loxP sites is selected to achieve the desired recombination; for example, when the loxP sites are in the same orientation, the DNA between the loxP sites is excised in circular form. In another embodiment, the recombinant DNA construct comprises DNA encoding one loxP site; in the presence of Cre recombinase and another DNA with a loxP site, the two DNAs are recombined.

Aptamers

In some embodiments, the recombinant DNA construct or polynucleotide of this invention comprises DNA that is processed to an RNA aptamer, that is, an RNA that binds to a ligand through binding mechanism that is not primarily based on Watson-Crick base-pairing (in contrast, for example, to the base-pairing that occurs between complementary, anti-parallel nucleic acid strands to form a double-stranded nucleic acid structure). See, for example, Ellington and Szostak (1990) Nature, 346:818-822. Examples of aptamers can be found, for example, in the public Aptamer Database, available on line at aptamer.icmb.utexas.edu (Lee et al. (2004) Nucleic Acids Res., 32(1):D95-100). Aptamers useful in the invention can, however, be monovalent (binding a single ligand) or multivalent (binding more than one individual ligand, e.g., binding one unit of two or more different ligands).

Ligands useful in the invention include any molecule (or part of a molecule) that can be recognized and be bound by a nucleic acid secondary structure by a mechanism not primarily based on Watson-Crick base pairing. In this way, the recognition and binding of ligand and aptamer is analogous to that of antigen and antibody, or of biological effector and receptor. Ligands can include single molecules (or part of a molecule), or a combination of two or more molecules (or parts of a molecule), and can include one or more macromolecular complexes (e.g., polymers, lipid bilayers, liposomes, cellular membranes or other cellular structures, or cell surfaces). Examples of specific ligands include vitamins such as coenzyme B₁₂ and thiamine pyrophosphate, flavin mononucleotide, guanine, adenosine, S-adenosylmethionine, S-adenosylhomocysteine, coenzyme A, lysine, tyrosine, dopamine, glucosamine-6-phosphate, caffeine, theophylline, antibiotics such as chloramphenicol and neomycin, herbicides such as glyphosate and dicamba, proteins including viral or phage coat proteins and invertebrate epidermal or digestive tract surface proteins, and RNAs including viral RNA, transfer-RNAs (t-RNAs), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), and RNA polymerases such as RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRP). One class of RNA aptamers useful in the invention are “thermoswitches” that do not bind a ligand but are thermally responsive, that is to say, the aptamer's conformation is determined by temperature; see, for example, Box 3 in Mandal and Breaker (2004) Nature Rev. Mol. Cell Biol., 5:451-463.

Transgene Transcription Units

In some embodiments, the recombinant DNA construct or polynucleotide of this invention comprises a transgene transcription unit. A transgene transcription unit comprises DNA sequence encoding a gene of interest, e.g., a natural protein or a heterologous protein. A gene of interest can be any coding or non-coding sequence from any species (including, but not limited to, non-eukaryotes such as bacteria, and viruses; fungi, protists, plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. Particular genes of interest are genes encoding at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein. The transgene transcription unit can further include 5′ or 3′ sequence or both as required for transcription of the transgene.

Introns

In some embodiments, the recombinant DNA construct or polynucleotide of this invention comprises DNA encoding a spliceable intron. By “intron” is generally meant a segment of DNA (or the RNA transcribed from such a segment) that is located between exons (protein-encoding segments of the DNA or corresponding transcribed RNA), wherein, during maturation of the messenger RNA, the intron present is enzymatically “spliced out” or removed from the RNA strand by a cleavage/ligation process that occurs in the nucleus in eukaryotes. The term “intron” is also applied to non-coding DNA sequences that are transcribed to RNA segments that can be spliced out of a maturing RNA transcript, but are not introns found between protein-coding exons. One example of these are spliceable sequences that that have the ability to enhance expression in plants (in some cases, especially in monocots) of a downstream coding sequence; these spliceable sequences are naturally located in the 5′ untranslated region of some plant genes, as well as in some viral genes (e.g., the tobacco mosaic virus 5′ leader sequence or “omega” leader described as enhancing expression in plant genes by Gallie and Walbot (1992) Nucleic Acids Res., 20:4631-4638). These spliceable sequences or “expression-enhancing introns” can be artificially inserted in the 5′ untranslated region of a plant gene between the promoter but before any protein-coding exons. Examples of such expression-enhancing introns include, but are not limited to, a maize alcohol dehydrogenase (Zm-Adh1), a maize Bronze-1 expression-enhancing intron, a rice actin 1 (Os-Act1) intron, a Shrunken-1 (Sh-1) intron, a maize sucrose synthase intron, a heat shock protein 18 (hsp18) intron, and an 82 kilodalton heat shock protein (hsp82) intron. U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,593,874 and 5,859,347, specifically incorporated by reference herein, describe methods of improving recombinant DNA constructs for use in plants by inclusion of an expression-enhancing intron derived from the 70 kilodalton maize heat shock protein (hsp70) in the non-translated leader positioned 3′ from the gene promoter and 5′ from the first protein-coding exon.

Ribozymes

In some embodiments, the recombinant DNA construct or polynucleotide of this invention comprises DNA encoding one or more ribozymes. Ribozymes of particular interest include a self-cleaving ribozyme, a hammerhead ribozyme, or a hairpin ribozyme. In one embodiment, the recombinant DNA construct comprises DNA encoding one or more ribozymes that serve to cleave the transcribed RNA to provide defined segments of RNA, such as silencing elements for suppressing a Leptinotarsa target gene.

Gene Suppression Elements

In some embodiments, the recombinant DNA construct or polynucleotide of this invention comprises DNA encoding additional gene suppression element for suppressing a target gene other than a Leptinotarsa target gene. The target gene to be suppressed can include coding or non-coding sequence or both.

Suitable gene suppression elements are described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0200878, which disclosure is specifically incorporated herein by reference, and include one or more of:

-   -   (a) DNA that comprises at least one anti-sense DNA segment that         is anti-sense to at least one segment of the gene to be         suppressed;     -   (b) DNA that comprises multiple copies of at least one         anti-sense DNA segment that is anti-sense to at least one         segment of the gene to be suppressed;     -   (c) DNA that comprises at least one sense DNA segment that is at         least one segment of the gene to be suppressed;     -   (d) DNA that comprises multiple copies of at least one sense DNA         segment that is at least one segment of the gene to be         suppressed;     -   (e) DNA that transcribes to RNA for suppressing the gene to be         suppressed by forming double-stranded RNA and comprises at least         one anti-sense DNA segment that is anti-sense to at least one         segment of the gene to be suppressed and at least one sense DNA         segment that is at least one segment of the gene to be         suppressed;     -   (f) DNA that transcribes to RNA for suppressing the gene to be         suppressed by forming a single double-stranded RNA and comprises         multiple serial anti-sense DNA segments that are anti-sense to         at least one segment of the gene to be suppressed and multiple         serial sense DNA segments that are at least one segment of the         gene to be suppressed;     -   (g) DNA that transcribes to RNA for suppressing the gene to be         suppressed by forming multiple double strands of RNA and         comprises multiple anti-sense DNA segments that are anti-sense         to at least one segment of the gene to be suppressed and         multiple sense DNA segments that are at least one segment of the         gene to be suppressed, and wherein the multiple anti-sense DNA         segments and the multiple sense DNA segments are arranged in a         series of inverted repeats;     -   (h) DNA that comprises nucleotides derived from a plant miRNA;     -   (i) DNA that comprises nucleotides of a siRNA;     -   (j) DNA that transcribes to an RNA aptamer capable of binding to         a ligand; and     -   (k) DNA that transcribes to an RNA aptamer capable of binding to         a ligand, and DNA that transcribes to regulatory RNA capable of         regulating expression of the gene to be suppressed, wherein the         regulation is dependent on the conformation of the regulatory         RNA, and the conformation of the regulatory RNA is         allosterically affected by the binding state of the RNA aptamer.

In some embodiments, an intron is used to deliver a gene suppression element in the absence of any protein-coding exons (coding sequence). In one example, an intron, such as an expression-enhancing intron, is interrupted by embedding within the intron a gene suppression element, wherein, upon transcription, the gene suppression element is excised from the intron. Thus, protein-coding exons are not required to provide the gene suppressing function of the recombinant DNA constructs disclosed herein.

Transcription Regulatory Elements

In some embodiments, the recombinant DNA construct or polynucleotide of this invention comprises DNA encoding a transcription regulatory element. Transcription regulatory elements include elements that regulate the expression level of the recombinant DNA construct of this invention (relative to its expression in the absence of such regulatory elements). Examples of suitable transcription regulatory elements include riboswitches (cis- or trans-acting), transcript stabilizing sequences, and miRNA recognition sites, as described in detail in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2006/0200878, specifically incorporated herein by reference.

Making and Using Transgenic Plant Cells and Transgenic Plants

Transformation of a plant can include any of several well-known methods and compositions. Suitable methods for plant transformation include virtually any method by which DNA can be introduced into a cell. One method of plant transformation is microprojectile bombardment, for example, as illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 5,015,580 (soybean), U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,880 (maize), U.S. Pat. No. 5,550,318 (maize), U.S. Pat. No. 5,914,451 (soybean), U.S. Pat. No. 6,153,812 (wheat), U.S. Pat. No. 6,160,208 (maize), U.S. Pat. No. 6,288,312 (rice), U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,807 (rice), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,399,861 (maize), and U.S. Pat. No. 6,403,865 (maize), all of which are incorporated by reference for enabling the production of transgenic plants.

Another useful method of plant transformation is Agrobacterium-mediated transformation by means of Agrobacterium containing a binary Ti plasmid system, wherein the Agrobacterium carries a first Ti plasmid and a second, chimeric plasmid containing at least one T-DNA border of a wild-type Ti plasmid, a promoter functional in the transformed plant cell and operably linked to a polynucleotide or recombinant DNA construct of this invention. See, for example, the binary system described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,159,135, incorporated by reference. Also see De Framond (1983) Biotechnology, 1:262-269; and Hoekema et al., (1983) Nature, 303:179. In such a binary system, the smaller plasmid, containing the T-DNA border or borders, can be conveniently constructed and manipulated in a suitable alternative host, such as E. coli, and then transferred into Agrobacterium.

Detailed procedures for Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of plants, especially crop plants, include procedures disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,004,863, 5,159,135, and 5,518,908 (cotton); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,416,011, 5,569,834, 5,824,877 and 6,384,301 (soybean); U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,591,616 and 5,981,840 (maize); 5,463,174 (brassicas including canola), 7,026,528 (wheat), and 6,329,571 (rice), and in U. S. Patent Application Publications 2004/0244075 (maize) and 2001/0042257 A1 (sugar beet), all of which are specifically incorporated by reference for enabling the production of transgenic plants. U. S. Patent Application Publication 2011/0296555 discloses in Example 5 the transformation vectors (including the vector sequences) and detailed protocols for transforming maize, soybean, canola, cotton, and sugarcane) and is specifically incorporated by reference for enabling the production of transgenic plants. Similar methods have been reported for many plant species, both dicots and monocots, including, among others, peanut (Cheng et al. (1996) Plant Cell Rep., 15: 653); asparagus (Bytebier et al. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 84:5345); barley (Wan and Lemaux (1994) Plant Physiol., 104:37); rice (Toriyama et al. (1988) Bio/Technology, 6:10; Zhang et al. (1988) Plant Cell Rep., 7:379; wheat (Vasil et al. (1992) Bio/Technology, 10:667; Becker et al. (1994) Plant J., 5:299), alfalfa (Masoud et al. (1996) Transgen. Res., 5:313); and tomato (Sun et al. (2006) Plant Cell Physiol., 47:426-431). See also a description of vectors, transformation methods, and production of transformed Arabidopsis thaliana plants where transcription factors are constitutively expressed by a CaMV35S promoter, in U. S. Patent Application Publication 2003/0167537 A1, incorporated by reference. Transformation methods specifically useful for solanaceous plants are well known in the art. See, for example, publicly described transformation methods for tomato (Sharma et al. (2009), J. Biosci., 34:423-433), eggplant (Arpaia et al. (1997) Theor. Appl. Genet., 95:329-334), potato (Bannerjee et al. (2006) Plant Sci., 170:732-738; Chakravarty et al. (2007) Amer. J. Potato Res., 84:301-311; S. Millam “Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of potato.” Chapter 19 (pp. 257-270), “Transgenic Crops of the World: Essential Protocols”, Ian S. Curtis (editor), Springer, 2004), and peppers (Li et al. (2003) Plant Cell Reports, 21: 785-788). Stably transgenic potato, tomato, and eggplant have been commercially introduced in various regions; see, e. g., K. Redenbaugh et al. “Safety Assessment of Genetically Engineered Fruits and Vegetables: A Case Study of the FLAVR SAVR Tomato”, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1992, and the extensive publicly available documentation of commercial genetically modified crops in the GM Crop Database; see: CERA. (2012). GM Crop Database. Center for Environmental Risk Assessment (CERA), ILSI Research Foundation, Washington D.C., available electronically at cera-gmc.org/?action=gm_crop_database. Various methods of transformation of other plant species are well known in the art, see, for example, the encyclopedic reference, “Compendium of Transgenic Crop Plants”, edited by Chittaranjan Kole and Timothy C. Hall, Blackwell Publishing Ltd., 2008; ISBN 978-1-405-16924-0 (available electronically at mrw.interscience.wiley.com/emrw/9781405181099/hpt/toc), which describes transformation procedures for cereals and forage grasses (rice, maize, wheat, barley, oat, sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, cool-season forage grasses, and bahiagrass), oilseed crops (soybean, oilseed brassicas, sunflower, peanut, flax, sesame, and safflower), legume grains and forages (common bean, cowpea, pea, faba bean, lentil, tepary bean, Asiatic beans, pigeonpea, vetch, chickpea, lupin, alfalfa, and clovers), temperate fruits and nuts (apple, pear, peach, plums, berry crops, cherries, grapes, olive, almond, and Persian walnut), tropical and subtropical fruits and nuts (citrus, grapefruit, banana and plantain, pineapple, papaya, mango, avocado, kiwifruit, passionfruit, and persimmon), vegetable crops (tomato, eggplant, peppers, vegetable brassicas, radish, carrot, cucurbits, alliums, asparagus, and leafy vegetables), sugar, tuber, and fiber crops (sugarcane, sugar beet, stevia, potato, sweet potato, cassava, and cotton), plantation crops, ornamentals, and turf grasses (tobacco, coffee, cocoa, tea, rubber tree, medicinal plants, ornamentals, and turf grasses), and forest tree species.

Transformation methods to provide transgenic plant cells and transgenic plants containing stably integrated recombinant DNA are preferably practiced in tissue culture on media and in a controlled environment. “Media” refers to the numerous nutrient mixtures that are used to grow cells in vitro, that is, outside of the intact living organism. Recipient cell targets include, but are not limited to, meristem cells, callus, immature embryos or parts of embryos, and gametic cells such as microspores, pollen, sperm, and egg cells. Any cell from which a fertile plant can be regenerated is contemplated as a useful recipient cell for practice of this invention. Callus can be initiated from various tissue sources, including, but not limited to, immature embryos or parts of embryos, seedling apical meristems, microspores, and the like. Those cells which are capable of proliferating as callus can serve as recipient cells for genetic transformation. Practical transformation methods and materials for making transgenic plants of this invention (e.g., various media and recipient target cells, transformation of immature embryos, and subsequent regeneration of fertile transgenic plants) are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,194,636 and 6,232,526 and U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004/0216189, which are specifically incorporated by reference.

In general transformation practice, DNA is introduced into only a small percentage of target cells in any one transformation experiment. Marker genes are generally used to provide an efficient system for identification of those cells that are stably transformed by receiving and integrating a transgenic DNA construct into their genomes. Preferred marker genes provide selective markers which confer resistance to a selective agent, such as an antibiotic or herbicide. Any of the antibiotics or herbicides to which a plant cell is resistant can be a useful agent for selection. Potentially transformed cells are exposed to the selective agent. In the population of surviving cells will be those cells where, generally, the resistance-conferring gene is integrated and expressed at sufficient levels to permit cell survival. Cells can be tested further to confirm stable integration of the recombinant DNA. Commonly used selective marker genes include those conferring resistance to antibiotics such as kanamycin or paromomycin (nptll), hygromycin B (aph IV) and gentamycin (aac3 and aacC4) or resistance to herbicides such as glufosinate (bar or pat) and glyphosate (EPSPS). Examples of useful selective marker genes and selection agents are illustrated in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,550,318, 5,633,435, 5,780,708, and 6,118,047, all of which are specifically incorporated by reference. Screenable markers or reporters, such as markers that provide an ability to visually identify transformants can also be employed. Examples of useful screenable markers include, for example, a gene expressing a protein that produces a detectable color by acting on a chromogenic substrate (e.g., beta glucuronidase (GUS) (uidA) or luciferase (luc)) or that itself is detectable, such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) (gfp) or an immunogenic molecule. Those of skill in the art will recognize that many other useful markers or reporters are available for use.

Detecting or measuring transcription of a recombinant DNA construct in a transgenic plant cell can be achieved by any suitable method, including protein detection methods (e.g., western blots, ELISAs, and other immunochemical methods), measurements of enzymatic activity, or nucleic acid detection methods (e.g., Southern blots, northern blots, PCR, RT-PCR, fluorescent in situ hybridization).

Other suitable methods for detecting or measuring transcription in a plant cell of a recombinant polynucleotide of this invention targetting a Leptinotarsa species target gene include measurement of any other trait that is a direct or proxy indication of the level of expression of the target gene in the Leptinotarsa species, relative to the level of expression observed in the absence of the recombinant polynucleotide, e.g., growth rates, mortality rates, or reproductive or recruitment rates of the Leptinotarsa species, or measurements of injury (e.g., root injury) or yield loss in a plant or field of plants infested by the Leptinotarsa species. In general, suitable methods for detecting or measuring transcription in a plant cell of a recombinant polynucleotide of interest include, e.g., gross or microscopic morphological traits, growth rates, yield, reproductive or recruitment rates, resistance to pests or pathogens, or resistance to biotic or abiotic stress (e.g., water deficit stress, salt stress, nutrient stress, heat or cold stress). Such methods can use direct measurements of a phenotypic trait or proxy assays (e.g., in plants, these assays include plant part assays such as leaf or root assays to determine tolerance of abiotic stress). Such methods include direct measurements of resistance to an invertebrate pest or pathogen (e.g., damage to plant tissues) or proxy assays (e.g., plant yield assays, or bioassays such as the Western corn rootworm (Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte) larval bioassay described in International Patent Application Publication WO2005/110068 A2 and U.S. Patent Application Publication US 2006/0021087 A1, specifically incorporated by reference, or the soybean cyst nematode bioassay described by Steeves et al. (2006) Funct. Plant Biol., 33:991-999, wherein cysts per plant, cysts per gram root, eggs per plant, eggs per gram root, and eggs per cyst are measured, or the Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) bioassay described herein in the working Examples.

The recombinant DNA constructs of this invention can be stacked with other recombinant DNA for imparting additional traits (e.g., in the case of transformed plants, traits including herbicide resistance, pest resistance, cold germination tolerance, water deficit tolerance, and the like) for example, by expressing or suppressing other genes. Constructs for coordinated decrease and increase of gene expression are disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication 2004/0126845 A1, specifically incorporated by reference.

Seeds of fertile transgenic plants can be harvested and used to grow progeny generations, including hybrid generations, of transgenic plants of this invention that include the recombinant DNA construct in their genome. Thus, in addition to direct transformation of a plant with a recombinant DNA construct of this invention, transgenic plants of this invention can be prepared by crossing a first plant having the recombinant DNA with a second plant lacking the construct. For example, the recombinant DNA can be introduced into a plant line that is amenable to transformation to produce a transgenic plant, which can be crossed with a second plant line to introgress the recombinant DNA into the resulting progeny. A transgenic plant of this invention can be crossed with a plant line having other recombinant DNA that confers one or more additional trait(s) (such as, but not limited to, herbicide resistance, pest or disease resistance, environmental stress resistance, modified nutrient content, and yield improvement) to produce progeny plants having recombinant DNA that confers both the desired target sequence expression behavior and the additional trait(s).

In such breeding for combining traits the transgenic plant donating the additional trait can be a male line (pollinator) and the transgenic plant carrying the base traits can be the female line. The progeny of this cross segregate such that some of the plant will carry the DNA for both parental traits and some will carry DNA for one parental trait; such plants can be identified by markers associated with parental recombinant DNA Progeny plants carrying DNA for both parental traits can be crossed back into the female parent line multiple times, e.g., usually 6 to 8 generations, to produce a homozygous progeny plant with substantially the same genotype as one original transgenic parental line as well as the recombinant DNA of the other transgenic parental line.

Yet another aspect of this invention is a transgenic plant grown from the transgenic seed (or in the case of potatoes, a transgenic seed potato) of this invention. This invention contemplates transgenic plants grown directly from transgenic seed containing the recombinant DNA as well as progeny generations of plants, including inbred or hybrid plant lines, made by crossing a transgenic plant grown directly from transgenic seed to a second plant not grown from the same transgenic seed. Crossing can include, for example, the following steps:

-   -   (a) plant seeds of the first parent plant (e.g., non-transgenic         or a transgenic) and a second parent plant that is transgenic         according to the invention;     -   (b) grow the seeds of the first and second parent plants into         plants that bear flowers;     -   (c) pollinate a flower from the first parent with pollen from         the second parent; and     -   (d) harvest seeds produced on the parent plant bearing the         fertilized flower.

It is often desirable to introgress recombinant DNA into elite varieties, e.g., by backcrossing, to transfer a specific desirable trait from one source to an inbred or other plant that lacks that trait. This can be accomplished, for example, by first crossing a superior inbred (“A”) (recurrent parent) to a donor inbred (“B”) (non-recurrent parent), which carries the appropriate gene(s) for the trait in question, for example, a construct prepared in accordance with the current invention. The progeny of this cross first are selected in the resultant progeny for the desired trait to be transferred from the non-recurrent parent “B”, and then the selected progeny are mated back to the superior recurrent parent “A”. After five or more backcross generations with selection for the desired trait, the progeny can be essentially hemizygous for loci controlling the characteristic being transferred, but are like the superior parent for most or almost all other genes. The last backcross generation would be selfed to give progeny which are pure breeding for the gene(s) being transferred, e.g., one or more transformation events.

Through a series of breeding manipulations, a selected DNA construct can be moved from one line into an entirely different line without the need for further recombinant manipulation. One can thus produce inbred plants which are true breeding for one or more DNA constructs. By crossing different inbred plants, one can produce a large number of different hybrids with different combinations of DNA constructs. In this way, plants can be produced which have the desirable agronomic properties frequently associated with hybrids (“hybrid vigor”), as well as the desirable characteristics imparted by one or more DNA constructs.

In certain transgenic plant cells and transgenic plants of this invention, it is sometimes desirable to concurrently express a gene of interest while also modulating expression of a Leptinotarsa target gene. Thus, in some embodiments, the transgenic plant contains recombinant DNA further comprising a gene expression element for expressing at least one gene of interest, and transcription of the recombinant DNA construct of this invention is effected with concurrent transcription of the gene expression element.

In some embodiments, the recombinant DNA constructs of this invention can be transcribed in any plant cell or tissue or in a whole plant of any developmental stage. Transgenic plants can be derived from any monocot or dicot plant, such as, but not limited to, plants of commercial or agricultural interest, such as crop plants (especially crop plants used for human food or animal feed), wood- or pulp-producing trees, vegetable plants, fruit plants, and ornamental plants. Examples of plants of interest include grain crop plants (such as wheat, oat, barley, maize, rye, triticale, rice, millet, sorghum, quinoa, amaranth, and buckwheat); forage crop plants (such as forage grasses and forage dicots including alfalfa, vetch, clover, and the like); oilseed crop plants (such as cotton, safflower, sunflower, soybean, canola, rapeseed, flax, peanuts, and oil palm); tree nuts (such as walnut, cashew, hazelnut, pecan, almond, and the like); sugarcane, coconut, date palm, olive, sugarbeet, tea, and coffee; wood- or pulp-producing trees; vegetable crop plants such as legumes (for example, beans, peas, lentils, alfalfa, peanut), lettuce, asparagus, artichoke, celery, carrot, radish, the brassicas (for example, cabbages, kales, mustards, and other leafy brassicas, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, turnip, kohlrabi), edible cucurbits (for example, cucumbers, melons, summer squashes, winter squashes), edible alliums (for example, onions, garlic, leeks, shallots, chives), edible members of the Solanaceae (for example, tomatoes, eggplants, potatoes, peppers, groundcherries), and edible members of the Chenopodiaceae (for example, beet, chard, spinach, quinoa, amaranth); fruit crop plants such as apple, pear, citrus fruits (for example, orange, lime, lemon, grapefruit, and others), stone fruits (for example, apricot, peach, plum, nectarine), banana, pineapple, grape, kiwifruit, papaya, avocado, and berries; plants grown for biomass or biofuel (for example, Miscanthus grasses, switchgrass, jatropha, oil palm, eukaryotic microalgae such as Botryococcus braunii, Chlorella spp., and Dunaliella spp., and eukaryotic macroalgae such as Gracilaria spp., and Sargassum spp.); and ornamental plants including ornamental flowering plants, ornamental trees and shrubs, ornamental groundcovers, and ornamental grasses.

This invention also provides commodity products produced from a transgenic plant cell, plant, or seed of this invention, including, but not limited to, harvested leaves, roots, shoots, tubers, stems, fruits, seeds, or other parts of a plant, meals, oils, extracts, fermentation or digestion products, crushed or whole grains or seeds of a plant, or any food or non-food product including such commodity products produced from a transgenic plant cell, plant, or seed of this invention. The detection of one or more of nucleic acid sequences of the recombinant DNA constructs of this invention in one or more commodity or commodity products contemplated herein is de facto evidence that the commodity or commodity product contains or is derived from a transgenic plant cell, plant, or seed of this invention.

Generally a transgenic plant having in its genome a recombinant DNA construct of this invention exhibits increased resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation. In various embodiments, for example, where the transgenic plant expresses a recombinant DNA construct of this invention that is stacked with other recombinant DNA for imparting additional traits, the transgenic plant has at least one additional altered trait, relative to a plant lacking the recombinant DNA construct, selected from the group of traits consisting of:

-   -   (a) improved abiotic stress tolerance;     -   (b) improved biotic stress tolerance;     -   (c) modified primary metabolite composition;     -   (d) modified secondary metabolite composition;     -   (e) modified trace element, carotenoid, or vitamin composition;     -   (f) improved yield;     -   (g) improved ability to use nitrogen, phosphate, or other         nutrients;     -   (h) modified agronomic characteristics;     -   (i) modified growth or reproductive characteristics; and     -   (j) improved harvest, storage, or processing quality.

In some embodiments, the transgenic plant is characterized by: improved tolerance of abiotic stress (e.g., tolerance of water deficit or drought, heat, cold, non-optimal nutrient or salt levels, non-optimal light levels) or of biotic stress (e.g., crowding, allelopathy, or wounding); by a modified primary metabolite (e.g., fatty acid, oil, amino acid, protein, sugar, or carbohydrate) composition; a modified secondary metabolite (e.g., alkaloids, terpenoids, polyketides, non-ribosomal peptides, and secondary metabolites of mixed biosynthetic origin) composition; a modified trace element (e.g., iron, zinc), carotenoid (e.g., beta-carotene, lycopene, lutein, zeaxanthin, or other carotenoids and xanthophylls), or vitamin (e.g., tocopherols) composition; improved yield (e.g., improved yield under non-stress conditions or improved yield under biotic or abiotic stress); improved ability to use nitrogen, phosphate, or other nutrients; modified agronomic characteristics (e.g., delayed ripening; delayed senescence; earlier or later maturity; improved shade tolerance; improved resistance to root or stalk lodging; improved resistance to “green snap” of stems; modified photoperiod response); modified growth or reproductive characteristics (e.g., intentional dwarfing; intentional male sterility, useful, e.g., in improved hybridization procedures; improved vegetative growth rate; improved germination; improved male or female fertility); improved harvest, storage, or processing quality (e.g., improved resistance to pests during storage, improved resistance to breakage, improved appeal to consumers); or any combination of these traits.

In another embodiment, transgenic seed, or seed produced by the transgenic plant, has modified primary metabolite (e.g., fatty acid, oil, amino acid, protein, sugar, or carbohydrate) composition, a modified secondary metabolite composition, a modified trace element, carotenoid, or vitamin composition, an improved harvest, storage, or processing quality, or a combination of these. In another embodiment, it can be desirable to change levels of native components of the transgenic plant or seed of a transgenic plant, for example, to decrease levels of an allergenic protein or glycoprotein or of a toxic metabolite.

Generally, screening a population of transgenic plants each regenerated from a transgenic plant cell is performed to identify transgenic plant cells that develop into transgenic plants having the desired trait. The transgenic plants are assayed to detect an enhanced trait, e.g., enhanced water use efficiency, enhanced cold tolerance, increased yield, enhanced nitrogen use efficiency, enhanced seed protein, and enhanced seed oil. Screening methods include direct screening for the trait in a greenhouse or field trial or screening for a surrogate trait. Such analyses are directed to detecting changes in the chemical composition, biomass, physiological properties, or morphology of the plant. Changes in chemical compositions such as nutritional composition of grain are detected by analysis of the seed composition and content of protein, free amino acids, oil, free fatty acids, starch, tocopherols, or other nutrients. Changes in growth or biomass characteristics are detected by measuring plant height, stem diameter, internode length, root and shoot dry weights, and (for grain-producing plants such as maize, rice, or wheat) ear or seed head length and diameter. Changes in physiological properties are identified by evaluating responses to stress conditions, e.g., assays under imposed stress conditions such as water deficit, nitrogen or phosphate deficiency, cold or hot growing conditions, pathogen or insect attack, light deficiency, or increased plant density. Other selection properties include days to flowering, days to pollen shed, days to fruit maturation, fruit or tuber quality or amount produced, days to silking in maize, leaf extension rate, chlorophyll content, leaf temperature, stand, seedling vigor, internode length, plant height, leaf number, leaf area, tillering, brace roots, staying green, stalk lodging, root lodging, plant health, fertility, green snap, and pest resistance. In addition, phenotypic characteristics of harvested fruit, seeds, or tubers can be evaluated; for example, in tomato and eggplant this can include the total number or weight of fruit harvested or the color, acidity, sugar content, or flavor of such fruit, and in potato this can include the number or total weight of tubers harvested and the quality of such tubers.

Specific assays with the compositions and methods of this invention can be carried out in solanaceous plants including potato, tomato, eggplant, and peppers, either as hybrids or inbreds; such assays are useful, e.g., for identifying or selecting plants with improved resistance to Colorado potato beetle (larvae or adults), for determining insecticidally effective amounts of a given composition, or for determining effective treatment regimes. Non-limiting examples of such assays include the following.

An in planta Colorado potato beetle (larvae or adults) assay is carried out in tomato plants with 6 replicates per treatment. Big Cherry tomato plants are seeded in Readi-Earth soil containing 6 pounds/cubic yard 14-14-14 fertilizer and maintained in a 27 degree Celsius, 50% relative humidity growth chamber for three weeks. On the day of the assay, double-stranded RNA is diluted into 25 milliliters of spray solution (20 millimolar sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.8), optionally containing a surfactant, e.g., 0.2% Silwet L77) to the desired concentration, and applied to the plants using a track sprayer at a rate of 15 gallons per acre. A higher concentration (e.g., 100 micrograms/milliliter) can be used for initially assaying a polynucleotide for activity, and lower concentrations (e.g., between about 0.1 to about 1 microgram per milliliter) can be used in subsequent assays such as those for determining relative efficacy of various polynucleotides. Plants are caged individually with mesh sleeves, and infested with 12 neonatal Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle) larvae. Infested plants are incubated in the growth chamber (27 degrees Celsius, 50% relative humidity) for 12-14 days. At the end of this period, plants are evaluated for level of defoliation, rated as “percent control”, and insects are collected from plants and soil to evaluate “percent viable insects recovered” and “average weight of viable insects recovered”.

An in planta Colorado potato beetle (larvae or adults) assay is carried out in potato plants with 9 replicates per treatment. Cuttings are prepared from mature Atlantic potato plants by cutting the stem at an angle below the second node from the youngest growth. The cutting is dipped into rooting hormone (Rhizopon #1, 0.1% IBA) and immediately inserted into pre-wet Readi-Earth soil containing 6 pounds/cubic yard 14-14-14 fertilizer. Flats of cuttings are covered to decrease light exposure and placed in a sealed plastic bag to increase humidity. Over the next week, the cover is removed and flats are removed from the plastic bags. Plants that are 6-9 inches tall (usually 3 weeks from cutting date) are used in the assay. On the day of the assay, double-stranded RNA is diluted into 25 milliliters of spray solution (20 millimolar sodium phosphate buffer (pH 6.8), optionally containing a surfactant, e.g., 0.2% Silwet L77) to the desired concentration, and applied to the plants using a track sprayer at a rate of 15 gallons per acre. A higher concentration (e.g., 100 micrograms/milliliter) can be used for initially assaying a polynucleotide for activity, and lower concentrations (e.g., between about 0.1 to about 1 microgram per milliliter) can be used in subsequent assays such as those for determining relative efficacy of various polynucleotides. Plants are caged individually with mesh sleeves, and infested with 6 neonatal Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle) larvae. Infested plants are incubated in the growth chamber (27 degree Celsius, 50% relative humidity) for 12-14 days. At the end of this period, plants are evaluated for level of defoliation, rated as “percent control”, and insects are collected from plants and soil to evaluate “percent viable insects recovered” and “average weight of viable insects recovered”.

The following Examples are presented for the purposes of illustration and should not be construed as limitations.

EXAMPLES Example 1: Generation of Leptinotarsa cDNA Library

A cDNA library was generated from Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle, “CPB”) neonate larvae, as follows. Total RNA was isolated from 800 third instar Leptinotarsa decemlineata larvae (whole body) using an Ambion Totally RNA isolation kit (catalogue number AM1910, Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.) with the optional LiCL precipitation procedure. PolyA RNA was isolated using Ambion MicroPoly(A) Purist (catalogue number AM1919, Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.). Random primed cDNA synthesis was performed using a Superscript Double-Stranded cDNA synthesis kit (catalogue number 11917-010, Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.) with a random hexamer kit (catalogue number 12328-032, Life Technologies, Carlsbad, Calif.). The cDNA library was obtained by high-throughput sequencing using commercially available 454 technology (454 Life Sciences, 15 Commercial St., Branford, Conn. 06405, USA), as described in Margulies et al. (2005) Nature, 437:376-380. This provided 1,446,014 reads (averaging ˜350 base-pairs in length), which were supplemented with publicly available Leptinotarsa decemlineata sequence data from NCBI (including 8,835 expressed sequence tag sequences, 150 full-length cDNAs, 839,061 high-throughput DNA and RNA archived sequence reads) to provide a total of 2294087 combined reads. The combined sequence data were assembled into contigs de novo using the Newbler (version 2.3) software package (454 Life Sciences, 15 Commercial St., Branford, Conn. 06405, USA). Approximately 38,164 assembled contigs were identified from the sequence data.

Example 2: Selection of Low-Copy Target Genes

Leptinotarsa target gene sequences predicted to be effective targets for RNAi-mediated silencing were identified as follows. Low-copy genes, and in particular single-copy genes, were selected as targets for RNAi-mediated silencing as these genea are unlikely to have their function recapitulated by a paralogue. A public database of orthologous genes, OrthoDB6 (available at cegg.unige.ch/orthodb6 and described in Waterhouse et al. (2012) Nucleic Acids Res., PMID:23180791; doi: 10.1093/nar/gks1116) was filtered to select a subset of 766 genes that were single-copy or low-copy in Tribolium castaneum (red flour beetle, a coleopteran species) as well as single-copy or low-copy in all available arthropod genomes in the database (at the time this application is filed 33 other arthropod genomes were available). Tribolium castaneum is a coleopteran species and is therefore closely related to Leptinotarsa, which makes it likely that a single-copy or low-copy gene present in the Tribolium castaneum genome database will also be a single-copy or low-copy gene in the Leptinotarsa decemlineata genome, at least for genes that have high sequence similarity between the two organisms. From the 38,164 unigenes obtained from the Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle, CPB) sequencing and assembly described in Example 1, a subset of 725 genes were identified using a translated nucleotide BLAST search (tblastx) as genes having high sequence similarity (significance or e-value of less than or equal to 1×10⁻¹⁵) to the 766 single-copy or low-copy Tribolium castaneum genes in the OrthoDB database.

For sequence annotation, SmartBlast annotation was performed by using NCBI's Blastall 2.2.21 software to search Leptinotarsa decemlineata contigs against the publicly available uniref90.fasta database (See FTP at uniprot.org/downloads). The blast search was performed in blastx mode (translated Leptinotarsa decemlineata nucleotide queries searched against the uniref90 protein database). Only blast hits with an e-value less than or equal to 9e-9 were retained. For each Leptinotarsa decemlineata contig the description line from the uniref90 best hit was used as an annotation. When no SmartBlast hits were found, the sequence was subjected to a supplementary Pfam search. To accomplish this, the longest open reading frame (ORF) was identified for each Leptinotarsa decemlineata contig and used to query the publicly available Pfam-A database (See FTP at pfam.xfam.org) using the publicly available HMMER 3.0 software package (hmmer janelia.org/). Leptinotarsa decemlineata contigs with a Pfam hit with an e-value less than or equal to 1 e-5 were annotated with the protein family name and the Pfam identifier. Leptinotarsa decemlineata contigs with no SmartBlast or Pfam hit were annotated as “novel protein”.

The 725 Leptinotarsa decemlineata genes identified as having high sequence similarity to single-copy or low-copy Tribolium castaneum genes as described above are provided as SEQ ID NOs:1-725, with each gene annotated based on sequence similarity to Tribolium castaneum and/or OrthoDB sequences, or by conserved Pfam domains. For each Leptinotarsa decemlineata gene, the homologous Tribolium castaneum gene is also identified in the annotation, together with the similarity e-value for each pair.

Example 3: Selection of Leptinotarsa Target Genes

cDNA sequences corresponding to useful target genes for controlling Leptinotarsa species by RNAi-mediated silencing were selected from the sequences obtained from the Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle, CPB) sequencing and assembly described in Example 1. This subset of cDNA sequences or target genes is provided in SEQ ID NOs:726-830. It is recognized that analogous sequences can be obtained from any other Leptinotarsa species referred to herein.

Example 4: Selection of Polynucleotide Triggers by “Tiling”

One non-limiting example of a method for selecting a polynucleotide trigger for expression in a transgenic plant or use in a composition for topical application to the surface of a transgenic or non-transgenic plant involves the mapping of efficacious polynucleotide sequences (or segments of sequences) using a whole-gene (or full-length reference sequence) tiling array approach. Sequences selected from SEQ ID NOs:1-725 and SEQ ID NOs:726-830 and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094 are divided into “tiling sequences” or segments of 200-300 contiguous nucleotides along the entire length of the selected target sequence. The tiling sequences can be designed to be contiguous segments of the selected sequence with no overlap or to overlap about 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24 or 25 nucleotides in adjacent segments of the selected sequence. Polynucleotide triggers corresponding to each 200-300 nucleotide tiling sequence (in sense, anti-sense, or both sense and anti-sense orientation) are synthesized for efficacy screening.

The polynucleotide triggers are tested by any convenient means for efficacy in silencing the Leptinotarsa species target gene. An example of a suitable test is a diet bioassay such as that described in Examples 5 and 6. Another suitable test involves the topical application of the polynucleotide triggers either directly to Leptinotarsa individuals or to the surface of a plant to be protected from a Leptinotarsa species infestation. One desired result of treatment with a polynucleotide trigger is prevention or control of a Leptinotarsa species infestation, e.g., by inducing in a Leptinotarsa insect a physiological or behavioural change such as, but not limited to, growth stunting, increased mortality, decrease in reproductive capacity, decrease in or cessation of feeding behavior or movement, or decrease in or cessation of metamorphosis stage development. Another desired result of treatment with a polynucleotide trigger is provision of a solanaceous plant that exhibits improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, such as a potato, tomato, eggplant, or pepper plant that exhibits improved resistance to an infestation by Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle, CPB) or other Leptinotarsa species. Polynucleotide tiggers may be screened in sets. For example, sets of five individual polynucleotide tiggers are pooled into a single polynucleotide composition and topically applied to plants. Those sets showing better efficacy are then re-screened by testing the individual component polynucleotide tiggers for efficacy.

The tiling procedure can be repeated, if desired. A polynucleotide trigger found to provide desired activity can itself be tiled. The parent polynucleotide trigger is divided into smaller overlapping or non-overlapping segments along the length of the parent polynucleotide trigger. For example, the parent polynucleotide trigger is divided into segments of 50-60 nucleotides in length along the entire length of the parent polynucleotide trigger. Polynucleotide triggers corresponding to each 50-60 nucleotide tiling sequence (in sense, anti-sense, or both sense and anti-sense orientation) are synthesized for efficacy screening. Additional rounds of tiling analysis can be carried out, where triggers as short as 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 nucleotides are tested.

Effective polynucleotide triggers of any size are used to make a composition for topical application or a recombinant DNA construct useful for making a transgenic plant.

Example 5

This example illustrates a non-limiting assay useful for evaluating the Leptinotarsa-controlling efficacy of polynucleotide triggers. More specifically, this example illustrates double-stranded RNA triggers comprising a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to at least 21 contiguous nucleotides of a Leptinotarsa target gene (e.g., a target gene selected from the Target Gene Sequences Group, or having a DNA sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:1-725 and SEQ ID NOs:726-830 and SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, or the DNA complement thereof), and a bioassay useful for evaluating the Leptinotarsa-controlling efficacy of these dsRNA triggers.

Triggers of between about 50 to about 500 base-pairs (more specifically, of between about 100 to about 450 base-pairs) in length were designed for Leptinotarsa target genes (see Examples 2 and 3). Blunt-ended double-stranded RNAs (dsRNAs) with the anti-sense strand sequences provided in SEQ ID NOs: 831-1085 were manufactured for the target genes listed in Table 1.

The dsRNA triggers (Table 1) for suppressing the Leptinotarsa target genes were tested using the following methodology to assay mortality or stunting of Leptinotarsa decemlineata larvae due to contact with or ingestion of the polynucleotide triggers. Bioassays with the Colorado potato beetle (CPB), Leptinotarsa decemlineata, were conducted using an artificial diet consisting of 13.2 grams/liter agar (Serva 11393), 140.3 grams/liter Bio-Serve pre-mix (F9380B), 5 milliliters/liter KOH (18.3% w/w), and 1.25 milliliters/liter formalin (37%). The diet was dispensed in 200 microliter aliquots into 96-well plates and dried briefly prior to sample application. Twenty microliters of test sample were applied per well, with sterile water serving as the untreated control (UTC). Plates were allowed to dry before adding insect larvae. One neonate CPB larva was added per well with a fine paintbrush. Plates were sealed with Mylar and ventilated using an insect pin. Thirty-two larvae were tested per treatment. The bioassay plates were incubated at 27 degrees Celsius, 60% relative humidity, in complete darkness for 10-12 days. The plates were scored for larval stunting and mortality. Data was analyzed using JMP©4 statistical software (SAS Institute, 1995) and a full factorial ANOVA was conducted with a Dunnet's test to look for treatment effects compared to the untreated control (P<0.05). A Tukey-Kramer post hoc test was performed to compare all pairs of the treatments (P<0.05). Results are provided in Table 1.

TABLE 1 SEQ ID dsRNA SEQ NO. OF CPB Diet concen- ID TARGET Bioassay tration Exon NO.* Target Gene GENE Results** (ppm) No. 831 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 1 825 (+) 0.1 1 832 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 1 825 (−) 0.1 1 833 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 1 825 (−) 0.1 1 834 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 1 825 (−) 0.1 1 835 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 1 825 (−) 0.1 2 836 Actin 821 (−) 0.1 1 837 Actin 821 (−) 0.1 1 838 Actin 821 (−) 0.1 1 839 Actin 821 (−) 0.1 1 840 Actin 821 (−) 0.1 1 841 Coatomer subunit beta 822 (−) 0.1 1 842 Coatomer subunit beta 822 (+) 0.1 1 843 Coatomer subunit beta 822 NT 0.1 1 844 Coatomer subunit beta 822 NT 0.1 1 845 Coatomer subunit beta 822 (−) 0.1 1 846 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 2 805 (−) 0.1 1 847 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 2 805 (−) 0.1 1 848 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 2 805 (−) 0.1 1 849 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 2 805 (+) 0.1 1 850 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 2 805 (−) 0.1 2? 851 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 12 806 (−) 0.1 1 852 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 12 806 (−) 0.1 1 853 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 12 806 NT 0.1 2? 854 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 12 806 NT 0.1 1 855 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 12 806 NT 0.1 1 856 Probable 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 3 807 (−) 0.1 1 857 Probable 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 3 807 (−) 0.1 1 858 Probable 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 3 807 NT 0.1 1 859 Probable 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 3 807 NT 0.1 1 860 Probable 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 3 807 NT 0.1 1 861 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 7 808 (−) 0.1 1 862 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 7 808 (−) 0.1 1 863 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 7 808 NT 0.1 1 864 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 7 808 NT 0.1 1 865 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 7 808 NT 0.1 1 866 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 2 809 (−) 0.1 1 867 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 2 809 (−) 0.1 2? 868 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 2 809 (−) 0.1 2 869 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 2 809 (−) 0.1 1 870 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 2 809 (−) 0.1 1 871 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 4 810 (−) 0.1 1 872 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 4 810 NT 0.1 2 873 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 4 810 NT 0.1 1 874 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 4 810 NT 0.1 1 875 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 4 810 NT 0.1 1 876 26S protease regulatory subunit 8 811 NT 0.1 1 877 26S protease regulatory subunit 8 811 NT 0.1 1 878 26S protease regulatory subunit 8 811 NT 0.1 2? 879 26S protease regulatory subunit 8 811 (−) 0.1 1 880 26S protease regulatory subunit 8 811 (−) 0.1 1 881 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 13 812 NT 0.1 2 882 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 13 812 NT 0.1 1 883 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 13 812 (−) 0.1 1 884 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 13 812 (−) 0.1 1 885 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 13 812 (−) 0.1 1 886 Putative uncharacterized protein 813 NT 0.1 1 887 Putative uncharacterized protein 813 NT 0.1 1 888 Putative uncharacterized protein 813 (−) 0.1 1 889 ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase-activating protein, putative 814 NT 0.1 1 890 ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase-activating protein, putative 814 NT 0.1 1 891 ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase-activating protein, putative 814 (−) 0.1 1 892 ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase-activating protein, putative 814 (−) 0.1 1 893 Golgi-specific brefeldin A-resistance guanine nucleotide exchange factor, putative 815 NT 0.1 1 894 Golgi-specific brefeldin A-resistance guanine nucleotide exchange factor, putative 815 NT 0.1 1 895 Golgi-specific brefeldin A-resistance guanine nucleotide exchange factor, putative 815 NT 0.1 1 896 Golgi-specific brefeldin A-resistance guanine nucleotide exchange factor, putative 815 NT 0.1 1 897 Golgi-specific brefeldin A-resistance guanine nucleotide exchange factor, putative 815 NT 0.1 2? 898 Sec24 protein, putative 816 (+) 0.1 2 899 Sec24 protein, putative 816 (−) 0.1 2? 900 Sec24 protein, putative 816 (−) 0.1 2? 901 Sec24 protein, putative 816 (−) 0.1 2? 902 Sec24 protein, putative 816 (−) 0.1 1 903 Protein transport protein Sec24B 817 (−) 0.1 1 904 Protein transport protein Sec24B 817 (−) 0.1 1 905 Protein transport protein Sec24B 817 (−) 0.1 1 906 Protein transport protein Sec24B 817 (−) 0.1 1 907 Protein transport protein Sec24B 817 (−) 0.1 1 908 Protein transport protein sec31A 818 (−) 0.1 1 909 Protein transport protein sec31A 818 (−) 0.1 1 910 Protein transport protein sec31A 818 (+) 0.1 1 911 Protein transport protein sec31A 818 (−) 0.1 2? 912 Protein transport protein sec31A 818 (−) 0.1 1 913 GTP-binding protein SAR1B 819 (−) 0.1 1 914 GTP-binding protein SAR1B 819 (−) 0.1 1 915 GTP-binding protein SAR1B 819 NT 0.1 2 916 GTP-binding protein SAR1B 819 NT 0.1 1 917 GTP-binding protein SAR1B 819 NT 0.1 1 918 Protein transport protein sec13 820 (−) 0.1 2 919 Protein transport protein sec13 820 (−) 0.1 1 920 Protein transport protein sec13 820 (−) 0.1 1 921 Protein transport protein sec13 820 (−) 0.1 1 922 Ribosomal protein L13A 741 NT 1.0 2 923 Ribosomal protein L13A 741 NT 1.0 2 924 60S ribosomal protein L5 728 NT 1.0 2 925 60S ribosomal protein L5 728 (+) 1.0 2? 926 Ribosomal protein S7 776 NT 1.0 1 927 Ribosomal protein S7 776 (−) 1.0 1 928 Ribosomal protein L9 735 (+) 1.0 2 929 Ribosomal protein L9 735 NT 1.0 1 930 Ribosomal protein L3 726 NT 1.0 2 931 Ribosomal protein L3 726 (+) 1.0 2 932 60S ribosomal protein L32 755 (+) 1.0 3 933 Ribosomal protein L8 734 NT 1.0 2 934 Ribosomal protein L8 734 NT 1.0 2 935 Ribosomal protein S15 785 NT 1.0 2 936 Ribosomal protein S15 785 NT 1.0 2 937 Ribosomal protein L7A 732 (+) 1.0 3 938 Ribosomal protein L7A 732 (+) 1.0 3 939 40S ribosomal protein S14 784 NT 1.0 2 940 40S ribosomal protein S14 784 (+) 1.0 2 941 40S ribosomal protein S24 796 (+) 1.0 2? 942 60S ribosomal protein L10A 737 (+) 1.0 1 943 Ribosomal protein L13 740 (+) 1.0 1 944 Ribosomal protein L13 740 (+) 1.0 1 945 Ribosomal protein S13 783 (+) 1.0 3 946 Ribosomal protein S13 783 NT 1.0 2 947 Ribosomal protein L4e 727 (+) 1.0 3 948 Ribosomal protein L4e 727 (+) 1.0 2 949 Ribosomal protein S30 803 (+) 1.0 2 950 Ribosomal protein S30 803 (+) 1.0 2 951 Ribosomal protein L26 749 (+) 1.0 2? 952 Ribosomal protein L26 749 (+) 1.0 2? 953 Ribosomal protein L31 754 NT 1.0 3 954 60S Ribosomal protein L10 736 NT 1.0 2 955 60S Ribosomal protein L10 736 (+) 1.0 2 956 Ribosomal protein S4 772 (+) 1.0 3 957 Ribosomal protein S4 772 (+) 1.0 2 958 Ribosomal protein L11e 738 (+) 1.0 2 959 Ribosomal protein S6 774 (−) 1.0 1 960 Ribosomal protein S11 782 (+) 1.0 3 961 Ribosomal protein S11 782 (+) 1.0 3 962 Ribosomal protein S11 781 NT 1.0 3 963 Ribosomal protein S11 781 NT 1.0 3 964 Ribosomal protein L12e 739 (+) 1.0 2 965 Ribosomal protein L12e 739 NT 1.0 2 966 Ribosomal protein S5 773 (+) 1.0 2 967 Ribosomal protein S5 773 (+) 1.0 3 968 Ribosomal protein S18 790 (+) 1.0 2 969 Ribosomal protein S18 790 (+) 1.0 2 970 Ribosomal protein L23A 747 (+) 1.0 2 971 Ribosomal protein L23A 747 (+) 1.0 2 972 Ribosomal protein L35A 759 NT 1.0 1 973 Ribosomal protein L35A 759 (+) 1.0 2 974 Ribosomal protein L21 746 NT 1.0 2? 975 Ribosomal protein L21 746 NT 1.0 2? 976 Ribosomal protein L21 745 (+) 1.0 1 977 Ribosomal protein L21 745 (−) 1.0 2? 978 Ribosomal protein S8 777 (+) 1.0 2 979 Ribosomal protein S8 777 (+) 1.0 3 980 Ribosomal protein S16 788 NT 1.0 1 981 Ribosomal protein S16 799 NT 1.0 2 982 Ribosomal protein L18Ae 744 (+) 1.0 2 983 Ribosomal protein S6 775 (+) 1.0 1 984 Ribosomal protein S3 768 NT 1.0 2 985 Ribosomal protein S3 768 (+) 1.0 2 986 Ribosomal protein S17 789 NT 1.0 2 987 Ribosomal protein S15A 786 (+) 1.0 2 988 Ribosomal protein L7 730 (+) 1.0 2? 989 Ribosomal protein L7 730 (+) 1.0 2 990 Ribosomal protein S4 771 NT 1.0 2 991 Ribosomal protein S4 771 (+) 1.0 2 992 40S ribosomal protein S3A 769 (+) 1.0 1 993 40S ribosomal protein S3A 769 NT 1.0 1 994 Ribosomal protein L36 760 (+) 1.0 1 995 Ribosomal protein L37 762 (+) 1.0 2 996 Ribosomal protein L37 763 (+) 1.0 2 997 Ribosomal protein S19 792 (+) 1.0 1 998 Ribosomal protein S19 792 NT 1.0 1 999 Ribosomal protein S19 792 (+) 1.0 1 1000 Ribosomal protein S20 794 NT 1.0 1 1001 Ribosomal protein L15 743 NT 1.0 2 1002 Ribosomal protein L35A 758 NT 1.0 1 1003 Ribosomal protein L35A 758 NT 1.0 1 1004 40S ribosomal protein S21 795 NT 1.0 3 1005 Ribosomal protein S29 802 NT 1.0 1 1006 Ribosomal protein S8 778 (+) 1.0 1 1007 40S ribosomal protein S3A 770 (+) 1.0 1 1008 Ribosomal protein L24 748 (+) 1.0 2 1009 Ribosomal protein S16 787 (+) 1.0 2 1010 Ribosomal protein L7A 733 (+) 1.0 1 1011 40S ribosomal protein S9 780 NT 1.0 2 1012 40S ribosomal protein SA 804 NT 1.0 1 1013 40S ribosomal protein SA 804 (+) 1.0 1 1014 Ribosomal protein L37Ae 764 (−) 1.0 2? 1015 60S Ribosomal protein L23 797 NT 1.0 1 1016 Ribosomal protein L7 731 NT 1.0 2 1017 Ribosomal protein L36 761 NT 1.0 1 1018 40S ribosomal protein S9 779 (+) 1.0 2? 1019 Ribosomal protein S26 798 (+) 1.0 3 1020 Ribosomal protein L34A 756 (+) 1.0 2 1021 Ribosomal protein L27Ae 751 NT 1.0 1 1022 Ribosomal protein L27Ae 751 (+) 1.0 1 1023 40S ribosomal protein S28 801 (−) 1.0 2? 1024 Ribosomal protein L29 753 (−) 1.0 3 1025 Ribosomal protein L28 752 (+) 1.0 4 1026 Ribosomal protein L28 752 NT 1.0 4 1027 Ribosomal biogenesis protein RLP24 765 NT 1.0 2 1028 Ribosomal biogenesis protein RLP24 765 (−) 1.0 1 1029 Ribosomal protein L27 750 (+) 1.0 2 1030 Ribosomal protein L27 750 (+) 1.0 2 1031 39S ribosomal protein L13 766 (−) 1.0 3 1032 39S ribosomal protein L13 766 (−) 1.0 3 1033 Ribosomal protein S2 767 (+) 1.0 1 1034 40S ribosomal protein S28 800 (−) 1.0 2? 1035 Ribosomal protein L14 742 (+) 1.0 2 1036 Ribosomal protein L6 729 (+) 1.0 2 1037 Coatomer subunit beta 822 (+) 1.0 2 1038 Coatomer subunit gamma 828 (+) 1.0 2 1039 Myosin Vila 824 (+) 1.0 2 1040 Myosin Vila 823 (+) 1.0 1 1041 Actin 821 (+) 1.0 1 1042 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 1 826 (+) 1.0 2 1043 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 1 825 (+) 1.0 2 1044 crooked neck 830 NT 1.0 1 1045 crooked neck 829 (+) 1.0 2 1046 Predicted putative protein 827 (+) 1.0 2 1047 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 2 805 (+) 1.0 2 1048 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit, putative 806 (−) 1.0 2 1049 Probable 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 3 807 (+) 1.0 1 1050 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 7 808 (+) 1.0 2 1051 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 2 809 NT 1.0 2 1052 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 4 810 (−) 1.0 3 1053 26S protease regulatory subunit 8 811 (+) 1.0 3 1054 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 13 812 (+) 1.0 3 1055 Putative uncharacterized protein 813 (−) 1.0 2 1056 ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase-activating protein, putative 814 (−) 1.0 2 1057 Golgi-specific brefeldin A-resistance guanine nucleotide exchange factor, putative 815 (−) 1.0 2? 1058 Sec24 protein, putative 816 (+) 1.0 2 1059 Protein transport protein Sec24B 817 (−) 1.0 1 1060 Protein transport protein sec31A 818 (+) 1.0 2 1061 GTP-binding protein SAR1B 819 (+) 1.0 2 1062 Protein transport protein sec13 820 (−) 1.0 2? 1063 Sec24B protein 817 (−) 1.0 1 1064 Coatomer subunit beta 822 (+) 1.0 2 1065 Coatomer subunit gamma 828 (+) 1.0 2 1066 Myosin Vila 824 (+) 1.0 2 1067 Myosin Vila 823 (+) 1.0 2 1068 Actin 821 (+) 1.0 1 1069 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 1 825 NT 1.0 2 1070 Crooked neck 829 (+) 1.0 2 1071 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 2 805 (−) 1.0 2 1072 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 12 806 (−) 1.0 2 1073 Probable 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 3 807 (+) 1.0 1 1074 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 7 808 (+) 1.0 2 1075 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 2 809 (+) 1.0 2 1076 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 4 810 (−) 1.0 2 1077 26S protease regulatory subunit 8 811 (+) 1.0 3 1078 26S proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 13 812 (+) 1.0 3 1079 ADP-ribosylation factor GTPase-activating protein, putative 814 (−) 1.0 2 1080 Golgi-specific brefeldin A-resistance guanine nucleotide exchange factor, putative 815 (+) 1.0 1 1081 Sec24 protein, putative 816 (+) 1.0 1 1082 Protein transport protein Sec24B 817 (+) 1.0 1 1083 Protein transport protein sec31A 818 (−) 1.0 1 1084 GTP-binding protein SAR1B 819 (+) 1.0 1 1085 Protein transport protein sec13 820 (+) 1.0 1 *sequence of anti-sense strand of the dsRNA trigger **(+) significant stunting or mortality compared with water-treated control; (−) no significant stunting or mortality compared with water-treated control; NT = either (1) trigger was not tested, or (2) both of the following occurred: the sample did not provide significant stunting/mortality and the positive control did not provide significant stunting/mortality in that test. Positive control used in this assay was the dsRNA trigger targetting beta coatomer and having the sense strand sequence of SEQ ID NO:1086, previously disclosed as SEQ ID NO:880 in U.S. Pat. No. 7,943,819.

Where available genomic sequence data permitted, the number of exons spanned by a given trigger sequence was determined and is provided in Table 1: “1” indicates the trigger sequence appears to be contained in a single contiguous genomic locus; “2?” indicates that the full length of the trigger did not align to the genome, with at least 40 base-pairs missing, which may indicate incompleteness of the available genomic sequence data.

Additional cDNA sequences encoding subunits of a Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle, CPB) exocyst complex were identified from a separate sequencing and assembly project as Leptinotarsa target genes. These Leptinotarsa exocyst target genes, SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094, are useful in designing polynucleotide triggers comprising at least 21 contiguous nucleotides complementary to an exocyst target gene and useful for controlling Leptinotarsa species infestations, and in making transgenic plants expressing such polynucleotide triggers for resistance to Leptinotarsa species infestations.

Triggers of between about 50 to about 500 base-pairs (more specifically, of between about 100 to about 450 base-pairs) in length are designed for each of the Leptinotarsa exocyst target genes (SEQ ID NOs:1087-1094) as described in Example 4. These triggers are tested using the same methodology as that described above for the polynucleotides in Table 1.

In a non-limiting example, a polynucleotide trigger, designed to target the Leptinotarsa decemlineata Exo70 gene (SEQ ID NO:1093), was produced as a blunt-ended double-stranded RNA having the anti-sense strand sequence of SEQ ID NO:1095. This trigger gave significant stunting and significant mortality at both concentrations tested, using the methodology described above. Results are provided in Table 2.

TABLE 2 SEQ ID SEQ Trigger NO. OF CPB Diet dsRNA ID Length Target TARGET Bioassay concentration NO.* (bp) Gene GENE Results** (ppm) 1095 277 Exo70 1093 (+) 0.1 1095 277 Exo70 1093 (+) 0.033 *sequence of anti-sense strand of the dsRNA trigger **(+) significant stunting or mortality compared with water-treated control; (−) no significant stunting or mortality compared with water-treated control; NT = either (1) trigger was not tested, or (2) both of the following occurred: the sample did not provide significant stunting/mortality and the positive control did not provide significant stunting/mortality in that test. Positive control used in this assay was the dsRNA trigger targetting beta coatomer and having the sense strand sequence of SEQ ID NO:1086, previously disclosed as SEQ ID NO:880 in U.S. Pat. No. 7,943,819.

Example 6

This example illustrates non-limiting embodiments of polynucleotides of this invention, insecticidal compositions for controlling a Leptinotarsa species, and a representative assay useful for evaluating the Leptinotarsa-controlling efficacy of such polynucleotides.

Five dsRNA triggers (having anti-sense strand sequences of SEQ ID NOs:989, 1049, 1050, 1078, and 1084; see Table 1) for suppressing Leptinotarsa target genes were tested using the following leaf disc methodologies to assay mortality or stunting of Leptinotarsa decemlineata larvae due to contact with or ingestion of the polynucleotide triggers.

For the leaf disc bioassay with adult insects, newly emerged Colorado potato beetle (CPB, Leptinotarsa decemlineata) adults were collected and maintained on potato foliage for up to 7 days, and then fasted for 6-8 hours prior to beginning the bioassay. Fifteen adults per treatment (trigger/dose) were used. Ten microliters containing 250, 83.3, 27.8, or 9.3 nanograms of dsRNA trigger in a 0.1% Silwet L77 solution in UltraPure water (Invitrogen) was applied to 15-millimeter-diameter potato (Atlantic variety) leaf discs; control leaf discs were treated with either the formulation 0.1% Silwet L77 solution or with a negative control trigger designed to silence green fluorescent protein (GFP). Treated leaf discs were placed individually into wells of 6-well cluster plates containing 2 milliliters/well of a solidified 2% agar agar/distilled water matrix. A single CPB adult was placed in each well and incubated overnight to allow it to consume the leaf disc; in cases where the leaf disc was not totally consumed, the insect was likely dead or damaged from handling and was excluded from the assay. The next day, the CPB adults from a given trigger/dose treatment were collectively transferred to a feeding arena made from a covered, aerated 16-ounce translucent plastic container lined at its base with filter paper and containing potato (Atlantic variety) foliage with stems inserted in a water-filled tube for freshness. The insects were incubated in the feeding arena in an environmental chamber (27 degrees Celsius; 60% relative humidity; 16 hours light/8 hours dark) with potato foliage replenished as needed. Insect viability was monitored daily. Insects were recorded as active (viable), moribund (does not return to feet after 10 seconds after being placed on its back), or dead. Viability results are provided in Table 3.

TABLE 3 CPB Target gene SEQ Days since treatment Treatment ID NO. 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 Formulation-1 n/a 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 100 Formulation-2 n/a 93 93 93 93 93 93 86 86 86 SEQ ID NO. 1115, GFP-1 n/a 100 100 100 100 100 100 80 80 60 SEQ ID NO. 1115, GFP-2 n/a 93 93 87 87 80 80 80 80 80 SEQ ID NO. 989*, 250 ng 730 87 87 80 33 0 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 989*, 83 ng 730 100 100 79 43 29 7 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 989*, 28 ng 730 100 100 80 47 27 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 989*, 9 ng 730 93 93 73 60 33 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 1049*, 250 ng 807 40 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 1049*, 83 ng 807 80 7 7 7 0 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 1049*, 28 ng 807 80 13 13 13 13 7 13 7 7 SEQ ID NO. 1049*, 9 ng 807 87 73 60 60 60 60 53 53 53 SEQ ID NO. 1050*, 250 ng 808 60 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 1050*, 83 ng 808 60 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 1050*, 28 ng 808 86 29 29 14 14 14 14 14 14 SEQ ID NO. 1050*, 9 ng 808 80 60 60 53 53 53 47 40 40 SEQ ID NO. 1078*, 250 ng 812 67 27 20 0 0 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 1078*, 83 ng 812 60 13 7 7 7 7 7 7 7 SEQ ID NO. 1078*, 28 ng 812 73 33 20 13 13 13 13 13 13 SEQ ID NO. 1078*, 9 ng 812 100 80 80 67 60 60 53 47 47 SEQ ID NO. 1084*, 250 ng 819 33 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 1084*, 83 ng 819 73 33 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 1084*, 28 ng 819 73 40 33 33 33 33 20 20 20 SEQ ID NO. 1084*, 9 ng 819 80 60 53 53 53 53 47 47 40 *sequence of anti-sense strand of the dsRNA trigger, unless otherwise noted. “Formulation-1” and “Formulation-2” are duplicates of a null control (0.1% Silwet in water). “GFP-1” and “GFP-2” are duplicates of a negative control using a 377 bp dsRNA trigger targetting green fluorescent protein (GFP) and having the sense strand sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1115. “n/a” = not applicable.

For the leaf disc bioassay with larvae, neonate Colorado potato beetle (CPB, Leptinotarsa decemlineata) larvae hatched within 24 hours of the bioassay were used. Sixteen larvae per treatment (trigger/dose) were used. Two microliters containing 250, 83.3, 27.8, or 9.3 nanograms of dsRNA trigger in a 0.1% Silwet L77 solution in UltraPure water (Invitrogen) was applied to 7-millimeter-diameter potato (Atlantic variety) leaf discs; control leaf discs were treated with either the formulation 0.1% Silwet L77 solution or with a negative control trigger designed to silence green fluorescent protein (GFP). Treated leaf discs were placed individually into wells of 128-well cluster plates containing 0.5 milliliters/well of a solidified 2% agar agar/distilled water matrix. A single CPB neonate was placed in each well and incubated overnight to allow it to consume the leaf disc; in cases where the leaf disc was not totally consumed, the insect was likely dead or damaged from handling and was excluded from the assay. The next day, the CPB larvae from a given trigger/dose treatment were collectively transferred to a feeding arena made from a covered, aerated 16-ounce translucent plastic container lined at its base with filter paper and containing potato (Atlantic variety) foliage with stems inserted in a water-filled tube for freshness. The insects were incubated in the feeding arena in an environmental chamber (27 degrees Celsius; 60% relative humidity; 16 hours light/8 hours dark) with potato foliage replenished as needed. Larval viability was monitored daily. Larvae were recorded as alive or dead. Viability results are provided in Table 4.

TABLE 4 CPB Target gene SEQ Days since treatment Treatment ID NO. 5 6 7 8 9 10 12 14 16 Formulation-1 n/a 100 100 100 100 100 100 92 54 15 Formulation-2 n/a 87 87 87 87 73 73 73 27 20 SEQ ID NO. 1115, GFP-1 n/a 69 69 69 69 69 69 69 50 38 SEQ ID NO. 1115, GFP-2 n/a 100 100 94 94 75 75 56 19 19 SEQ ID NO. 989*, 250 ng 730 44 38 31 13 13 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 989*, 83 ng 730 19 19 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 989* 28 ng 730 69 50 38 13 13 6 6 6 6 SEQ ID NO. 989*, 9 ng 730 38 13 13 13 6 6 6 6 6 SEQ ID NO. 1049*, 250 ng 807 20 7 7 7 7 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 1049*, 83 ng 807 38 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 13 SEQ ID NO. 1049*, 28 ng 807 38 13 13 6 6 6 6 6 6 SEQ ID NO. 1049*, 9 ng 807 57 21 21 21 21 21 21 21 14 SEQ ID NO. 1050*, 250 ng 808 44 31 31 25 19 19 19 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 1050*, 83 ng 808 38 19 19 6 0 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 1050*, 28 ng 808 13 13 13 13 13 13 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 1050*, 9 ng 808 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 1078*, 250 ng 812 19 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 1078*, 83 ng 812 29 14 14 7 7 0 0 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 1078*, 28 ng 812 50 31 19 13 13 6 6 0 0 SEQ ID NO. 1078*, 9 ng 812 60 47 40 27 27 27 27 27 13 SEQ ID NO. 1084*, 250 ng 819 79 43 43 43 29 21 21 14 14 SEQ ID NO. 1084*, 83 ng 819 56 38 19 19 19 13 13 13 13 SEQ ID NO. 1084*, 28 ng 819 50 38 25 19 19 19 19 19 19 SEQ ID NO. 1084*, 9 ng 819 75 50 44 44 38 38 38 31 31 *sequence of anti-sense strand of the dsRNA trigger, unless otherwise noted. “Formulation-1” and “Formulation-2” are duplicates of a null control (0.1% Silwet in water). “GFP-1” and “GFP-2” are duplicates of a negative control using a 377 bp dsRNA trigger targetting green fluorescent protein (GFP) and having the sense strand sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1115. “n/a” = not applicable.

Example 7

This example illustrates non-limiting embodiments of polynucleotide triggers for suppressing Leptinotarsa target genes. More specifically, this example illustrates embodiments of blunt-ended dsRNA triggers consisting of a sense and a separate anti-sense strand, as well as embodiments of dsRNA triggers in the form of a hairpin (a single RNA transcript containing both a sense region and an anti-sense region).

Table 5 provides blunt-ended dsRNA triggers with sequences related to a “parent trigger” (see Table 1), where the parent trigger had been determined to have insecticidal activity against Leptinotarsa decemlineata (see Tables 1, 3, and 4) and the derivative triggers are blunt-ended dsRNAs corresponding to sub-regions of the parent trigger.

TABLE 5 Trigger Target Parent Diet Activity Diet Activity SEQ ID gene SEQ trigger SEQ vs. CPB vs. CPB NO:* Target gene name ID NO: ID NO: (0.1 ppm) (0.025 ppm) 1096 GTP-binding protein 819 1084 (−) (−) SAR1B 1097 GTP-binding protein 819 1084 (−) (−) SARI1B 1098 GTP-binding protein 819 1084 (+) (−) SAR1B 1099 GTP-binding protein 819 1084 (+) (−) SAR1B 1100 Probable 26S 807 1049 (−) (−) proteasome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 3 1101 26S proteasome non- 808 1050 (−) (−) ATPase regulatory subunit 7 1102 26S proteasome non- 812 1078 (−) (−) ATPase regulatory subunit 13 1103 Ribosomal protein L7 730 989 (−) (−) 1104 Ribosomal protein L7 730 989 (+) (−) *sequence of anti-sense strand of the dsRNA trigger

Table 6 provides dsRNA triggers in the form of a hairpin (a single RNA transcript containing both a sense region and an anti-sense region that hybridize to form dsRNA), with sequences derived from or related to a “parent trigger” (see Table 1), where the parent trigger had been determined to have insecticidal activity against Leptinotarsa decemlineata (see Tables 1, 3, and 4). Hairpin triggers are suitable for in vitro expression or in vivo expression when provided in an expression construct with appropriate promoters or other elements to permit their expression, e.g., in a bacterial cell or in a plant cell. The non-limiting embodiments disclosed in Table 6 each contain a T7 promoter (located at nucleotide positions 1-17 in each hairpin sequence) and a “loop” or spacer located between the sense and the anti-sense regions; the loop contains non-specific (not complementary or identical to any part of the target gene) nucleotides. One of skill would immediately understand that the sense and anti-sense regions of the hairpin are useful in combination with different suitable promoters for expression in a given cell type, and with different spacer or loop sequences (or none at all, where nucleotides at the junction of the sense and anti-sense regions form the necessary “turn” or minimal loop in the hairpin). One of skill would also recognize that similar recombinant DNA constructs are easily designed to encode hairpin dsRNA triggers corresponding to the blunt-ended dsRNA triggers provided in Tables 1-5 or targeting the target genes provided in the Target Gene Sequences Group.

TABLE 6 nucleotide position of trigger nucleotide nucleotide Blunt-ended Hairpin trigger anti-sense position position dsRNA Trigger anti-sense region in of loop or of trigger Trigger CPB Target SEQ ID region in hairpin, SEQ spacer in sense region SEQ ID Gene SEQ NO:* hairpin ID NO: hairpin in hairpin NO: ID NO: 1105 21-417 1110 418-566 567-963   989** 730 1106 21-300 1111 301-450 451-730  1086  1107 21-453 1112 454-603 604-1036 1084** 819 1108 21-458 1113 459-608 609-1046 1050** 808 1109 21-448 1114 449-598 599-1026 1038** 828 *sequence of DNA construct encoding the hairpin dsRNA trigger **sequence of anti-sense strand of the dsRNA trigger SEQ ID NO: 1086 corresponds to the sense strand sequence of a blunt-ended dsRNA targetting beta coatomer, previously disclosed as SEQ ID NO: 880 in U.S. Pat. No. 7,943,819.

It is anticipated that the combination of certain recombinant RNAs as described herein (e.g., the dsRNA triggers described in Tables 1-6 or their hairpin equivalents, or active fragments of these triggers) with one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agents will result in a synergetic improvement in prevention or control of Leptinotarsa species infestations, when compared to the effect obtained with the recombinant RNA alone or the non-polynucleotide pesticidal agent alone. Routine insect bioassays such as the bioassay employing an artificial diet described here are useful for defining dose-responses for larval mortality or growth inhibition using combinations of the polynucleotide triggers and one or more non-polynucleotide pesticidal agents (e.g., a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein). One of skill in the art can test combinations of polynucleotides and non-polynucleotide pesticidal agents in routine bioassays to identify combinations of bioactives that are synergistic and desirable for use in protecting plants from Leptinotarsa species infestations.

Example 8: Field Efficacy of RNAi-Mediated Control of Leptinotarsa decemlineata

A field trial was performed to test efficacy of topically applied dsRNA triggers on controlling Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle, CPB) infestations of potato plants under field conditions. Three dsRNA triggers were tested using topical (foliar spray) application: a blunt-ended dsRNA having an anti-sense strand sequence of SEQ ID NO:989, which targets Ribosomal Protein L7 (encoded by SEQ ID NO: 730); a blunt-ended dsRNA having an anti-sense strand sequence of SEQ ID NO:1049, which targets Probable 26S proteosome non-ATPase regulatory subunit 3 (encoded by SEQ ID NO: 807); and a hairpin dsRNA encoded by the DNA construct of SEQ ID NO:1105, which targets Ribosomal Protein L7 (encoded by SEQ ID NO: 730). SEQ ID NO:1105 encodes a hairpin dsRNA having an anti-sense strand corresponding to SEQ ID NO:989 (see Example 7). The experiment was designed with 11 treatments arranged in a random complete block design with four replicates. Test plots consisted of potato plants (variety “Superior”) planted in the spring in two 20-foot rows with 6-foot row center spacing; plots were maintained according to standard commercial growing practices. Foliar spray treatments were performed twice: a first treatment 36 days after planting and a second treatment 43 days after planting. All foliar treatments were applied with a 4-nozzle boom equipped with 110003VS spray tips spaced 20 inches apart, spraying 2 rows at a time, and powered by a carbon dioxide-powered backpack sprayer at 40 pounds per square inch, delivering 38 gallons per acre. All life stages of Colorado potato beetle were recorded for ten randomly selected stems per plot at 3 time points: 3 days after the first foliar spray treatment (39 days after planting), 7 days after the first foliar spray treatment (43 days after planting), and 3 days after the second foliar spray treatment (46 days after planting). Defoliation, which is caused primarily by small larvae, was measured at 9 days after the first foliar spray treatment (45 days after planting). Two commercial synthetic (small molecule) insecticides were used as positive controls: Coragen® (chlorantraniliprole, DuPont) and Radiant® (spinetoram, Dow AgroSciences). Results are presented in Table 7; statistically different values are indicated by different letters (a, b, c, d, e). Those treatments that share a letter, for example the Untreated Control and 5 grams per acre SEQ ID NO:989 Treatment at 3 days after first spray which share the letter “a”, are not statistically different; while those treatments that do not share a letter, for example the Untreated Control and Coragen® Treatment at 3 days after first spray, are statistically different. The effects of the dsRNA triggers increased over time and showed a dose-dependent response; at 3 days after the second foliar spray, all of the dsRNA trigger treatments except for the lowest dose of the dsRNA trigger having an anti-sense strand sequence of SEQ ID NO:1049 resulted in a decrease in large larvae that was not significantly different from the synthetic insecticide positive controls (Coragen® and Radiant Treatments) and that was significantly different from the Untreated Control. Defoliation also showed a dose-dependent response to the dsRNA treatments; several of the dsRNA treatments were significantly different from the Untreated Control and all of the dsRNA triggers at the highest dose tested provided defoliation protection that was not significantly different from that provided by the synthetic insecticide positive controls (Coragen® and Radiant Treatments). The decreased number of larvae and decreased defoliation or plant damage indicated improved resistance of the dsRNA-treated potato plants to Leptinotarsa decemlineata; these plants with improved resistance to Leptinotarsa decemlineata are expected to exhibit improved yield (increased harvestable tubers).

TABLE 7 Mean number of Colorado potato beetles/10 stems Small larvae Large larvae Rate (grams 3 days after 7 days after 3 days after 3 days after 7 days after 3 days after % Treatment per acre) first spray first spray second spray first spray first spray second spray Defoliation Untreated Control n.a. 115.8 a 201.3 a 72.0 ab 0 45.3 ab 108.0 a 72.5 a SEQ ID NO: 989* 5 63.5 ab 146.5 ab 98.0 ab 3 8.5 bcd 8.3 b 9.8 de SEQ ID NO: 989* 1 93.3 ab 159.5 a 144.5 a 1.3 33.0 abcd 21.8 b 28.8 cd SEQ ID NO: 989*  0.2 87.8 ab 116.0 abc 118.0 a 0 25.3 abcd 33.8 b 45.0 abc SEQ ID NO: 1049* 5 66.5 ab 135.5 abc 126.0 a 0 2.0 cd 12.8 b 15.0 cde SEQ ID NO: 1049* 1 91.0 ab 175.0 a 102.5 ab 0 41.3 abc 33.8 b 32.5 bcd Untreated Control n.a. 115.8 a 201.3 a 72.0 ab 0 45.3 ab 108.0 a 72.5 a SEQ ID NO: 1049*  0.2 93.5 ab 113.8 abc 99.3 ab 0.8 59.0 a 80.0 a 68.8 ab SEQ ID NO: 1105* 5 61.0 ab 91.3 abc 117.8 a 0 9.0 bcd 14.0 b 12.5 cde SEQ ID NO: 1105* 1 72.3 ab 104.8 abc 87.3 ab 0 17.8 bcd 8.8 b 18.8 cd Coragen ®  5** 9.8 b 6.0 c 0.3 b 0 0.0 d 0.0 b 0.0 e Radiant  8** 1.3 b 16.8 bc 0.0 b 0 0.5 d 0.0 b 0.0 e P-Value from Anova 0.0053 0.0004 0.0009 ns 0.0001 <0.0001 <0.0001 n.a., not applicable ns, not significant *dsRNA triggers applied in a formulation containing 3 milliliters of a commercial spray adjuvant, TACTIC ™ (Loveland Products, Loveland, CO 80538) per 1600 milliliters water **fluid ounces per acre

All of the materials and methods disclosed and claimed herein can be made and used without undue experimentation as instructed by the above disclosure. Although the materials and methods of this invention have been described in terms of embodiments and illustrative examples, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that variations can be applied to the materials and methods described herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of this invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit, scope and concept of this invention as defined by the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for controlling a Leptinotarsa species infestation of a plant comprising: (a) contacting said Leptinotarsa species with a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) comprising a strand comprising a sequence having at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105; or (b) providing in the diet of said Leptinotarsa species a dsRNA comprising a strand comprising a sequence having at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105; or (c) causing mortality or stunting in larvae of said Leptinotarsa species by providing in the diet of said larvae at least one dsRNA comprising at least one silencing element comprising a strand comprising a sequence having at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105; or (d) topically applying to said plant a composition comprising at least one dsRNA comprising a strand comprising a sequence having at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105, wherein said at least one dsRNA is provided in a manner that permits a Leptinotarsa species feeding on said plant to ingest said at least one dsRNA; or (e) expressing in said plant at least one dsRNA comprising a strand comprising a sequence having at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105, or complementary to a sequence having at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105, wherein said at least one dsRNA is ingested by a Leptinotarsa species feeding on said plant; or (f) providing to said plant at least one dsRNA comprising a strand comprising a sequence having at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105, or complementary to a sequence having at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105, wherein said at least one dsRNA is ingested by a Leptinotarsa species feeding on said plant; or (g) contacting said Leptinotarsa species with a dsRNA comprising a strand comprising a sequence having at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105, or complementary to a sequence having at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and
 1105. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein said double-stranded RNA is chemically synthesized or is produced by expression in a microorganism or by expression in a plant cell.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein said double-stranded RNA comprises a strand comprising the sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:989, 988, 1103, 1104, and
 1105. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein said method comprises topically applying to said plant a composition comprising at least one dsRNA comprising a strand comprising a sequence having at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105; and wherein said composition further comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of a carrier agent, a surfactant, a cationic lipid, an organosilicone, an organosilicone surfactant, a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a nonpolynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide pesticide, a safener, and an insect growth regulator.
 5. The method of claim 1, wherein said method comprises contacting said Leptinotarsa species with an effective amount of a solution comprising a double-stranded RNA, wherein at least one strand of the double-stranded RNA comprises at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105, wherein said Leptinotarsa species is Leptinotarsa decemlineata, and wherein RNA interference is induced and Leptinotarsa decemlineata mortality occurs.
 6. The method of claim 5, wherein said solution further comprises one or more components selected from the group consisting of an organosilicone surfactant or a cationic lipid.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein said method comprises topically applying to said plant a composition comprising at least one dsRNA comprising a strand comprising a sequence having at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105; and wherein said Leptinotarsa species is Leptinotarsa decemlineata.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein said Leptinotarsa species is selected from the group consisting of: Leptinotarsa behrensi, Leptinotarsa collinsi, Leptinotarsa decemlineata (Colorado potato beetle), Leptinotarsa defecta, Leptinotarsa haldemani (Haldeman's green potato beetle), Leptinotarsa heydeni, Leptinotarsa juncta (false potato beetle), Leptinotarsa lineolata (burrobrush leaf beetle), Leptinotarsa peninsularis, Leptinotarsa rubiginosa, Leptinotarsa texana, Leptinotarsa tlascalana, Leptinotarsa tumamoca, and Leptinotarsa typographica.
 9. A plant having improved resistance to a Leptinotarsa species infestation, provided by the method of claim 1, or a fruit, seed, or propagatable part of said plant, wherein the fruit, seed or propagatable part comprises the dsRNA.
 10. The plant of claim 9, wherein said plant is selected from the group consisting of potato, tomato, and eggplant.
 11. An insecticidal composition for controlling a Leptinotarsa species; comprising: (a) at least one dsRNA consisting of two strands, wherein a first strand comprises a sequence having at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104; and 1105, wherein said at least one dsRNA causes mortality or stunting of growth in said Leptinotarsa species when ingested or contacted by said Leptinotarsa species; or (b) at least one dsRNA consisting of at least one silencing element that comprises a strand comprising a sequence having at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105, wherein said at least one dsRNA causes mortality or stunting of growth in said Leptinotarsa species when ingested or contacted by said Leptinotarsa species; or (c) at least one dsRNA consisting of two strands, wherein a first strand comprises a sequence having at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105, or complementary to a sequence having at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105, wherein said at least one dsRNA causes mortality or stunting of growth in said Leptinotarsa species when ingested or contacted by said Leptinotarsa species; or (d) a dsRNA molecule that causes mortality or stunting of growth in a Leptinotarsa species when ingested or contacted by said Leptinotarsa species, wherein said dsRNA molecule consists of two strands, wherein a first strand is at least 98% identical to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105; or (e) an insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule that causes mortality or stunting of growth in a Leptinotarsa species when ingested or contacted by said Leptinotarsa species, wherein at least one strand of said insecticidal double-stranded RNA molecule consists of a sequence comprising at least 98% identity to a sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs: 989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105; or (f) at least one double-stranded RNA consisting of two strands wherein the sequence of a first strand is selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:989; 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105, wherein said at least one double-stranded RNA causes mortality or stunting of growth in said Leptinotarsa species when ingested or contacted by said Leptinotarsa species.
 12. The insecticidal composition of claim 11, wherein said insecticidal composition is in the form of at least one selected from the group consisting of a solid, liquid, powder, suspension, emulsion, spray, encapsulation, microbeads, carrier particulates, film, matrix, seed treatment, soil drench, implantable formulation, and in-furrow formulation.
 13. The insecticidal composition of claim 11, further comprising at least one component selected from the group consisting of a carrier agent, a surfactant, a cationic lipid, an organosilicone, an organosilicone surfactant, a polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a non-polynucleotide herbicidal molecule, a nonpolynucleotide pesticide, a safener, and an insect growth regulator.
 14. A recombinant DNA construct comprising a heterologous promoter operably linked to: (a) DNA encoding an RNA comprising at least 98% identity to a nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105, or the complement thereof; or (b) DNA encoding an RNA comprising at least one double-stranded RNA region, at least one strand of which comprises at least 98% identity to the nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105, or the complement thereof; or (c) DNA encoding an RNA comprising the nucleotide sequence selected from the group consisting of: SEQ ID NOs:989, 988, 1103, 1104, and 1105, or the complement thereof.
 15. A plant chromosome or a plastid or a recombinant plant virus vector or a recombinant baculovirus vector comprising the recombinant DNA construct of claim
 14. 16. A transgenic solanaceous plant cell having in its genome the recombinant DNA construct of claim
 14. 17. The transgenic solanaceous plant cell of claim 16, wherein said transgenic solanaceous plant cell further has in its genome DNA encoding at least one pesticidal agent selected from the group consisting of a patatin, a plant lectin, a phytoecdysteroid, a Bacillus thuringiensis insecticidal protein, a Xenorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Photorhabdus insecticidal protein, a Bacillus laterosporous insecticidal protein, and a Bacillus sphaericus insecticidal protein.
 18. A transgenic solanaceous plant comprising the transgenic solanaceous plant cell of claim 16, or a fruit, seed, or propagatable part of said transgenic solanaceous plant, wherein the fruit, seed or propagatable part comprises the dsRNA. 